Teaching Westward Expansion and the Pioneers

Westward expansion is such an interesting topic for students.  The idea of traveling across the country on foot for months is something that many students cannot imagine.

How Can We Make This Unit Even More Fun?
Acting out the pioneers experiences and using interactive notebooks are both helpful.
  

Add replicas and other items inside of a box for students to explore.  They can write about their findings and "touch" the past.

Interactive notebooks are also fun.Click here to access a westward expansion interactive notebook.

Ask an intriguing question that students must research. This builds up interest in the unit and is a great way to integrate research into the lesson.

(*Many sources have stated that water was not sold for $100 a cup, but prices along the pioneer trails were high for items.)