​rethink.

Unit Overview

 

This unit plan has four different components. It starts with an interactive activity that will get students thinking about Westward expansion. More specifically, the first lesson introduces the students to the topics of Lewis and Clark, the gold rush and legislation passed during this time period. The second lesson plan is designed to incorporate a math element by drawing a map to scale and learning how to use a compass and even the most basic reading of a map. This will emphasize the importance of maps when traveling or going on expedition like Lewis and Clark did. The third lesson is designed to make a personal connection to how hard the times were and really put themselves in the shoes of someone experiencing the American Indian Removal. Lastly, as a lesson overview, the students will be asked to make a newspaper that allows them to express their creative side and reflect on the previous lessons. They will have three different sections that allow them to express their opinion, get their thoughts moving in a brainteaser and a picture that they will analyze and write bullet points about. The unit plan as a whole will work to get students interactively thinking and learning about Westward expansion through a variety of activities so that all types of learners are targeted and can benefit from the lessons.

Standards:

8.3.4.D: Distinguish between conflict and cooperation among groups and organization that impacted the history and development of the United States.

7.1.4.B: Describe and locate places and regions as defined by physical and human features.

M4.B.2.1.1: Use or read a ruler (provided) to measure to the nearest 1/4-inch or centimeter.

R4.A.1.3.1: Make inferences and/or draw conclusions based on information from text.

R4.A.2.1.1: Identify and/or interpret meaning of multiple-meaning words used in text.

R4.A.2.5.1: Summarize the major points, processes and/or events of a nonfictional text as a whole.

S4.A.2.1.4: State a conclusion that is consistent with the information/data.

E04.B-K.1.1.3: Explain events, procedures, ideas, steps, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

 

Rationale

 

This unit will provide students with detailed information about the Westward expansion in the United States in the 1800s.  Students need to know the history of the country that we live in, and we did not just easily acquire and explore the new land.   The students will receive many hands on activities and lessons that allow them to grasp a better understanding of the things that Lewis and Clark had to endure as well as the hardships that came along with the American Indian Removal.  The students will be able to understand the importance of westward expansion as part of American history.