Post by Charity on Feb 12, 2007 20:31:00 GMT -5
A Unit Study on the Oregon Trail
There are so many different possibilities when doing a unit study on the westward movement in the United States. I tried covering it all in one unit and became overwhelmed with information. I then decided to break the subject down into smaller, more manageable units. Yes, studying this period in this way extends this historical era out over a longer period of time. But, I believe that the westward movement is such an important part of our country’s heritage, and influenced so many of our ancestors’ lives, that I believe it is well worth the extra time spent on it. By narrowing the subject down, it also makes it less stressful on the lesson planning aspect of the study.
This unit will specifically deal with The Oregon Trail. I’ll try and be very specific when listing the general resources. My suggestion is that, just like in the game “Oregon Trail” you first do activities concerned with the preparation for the trail. Then, use the Oregon Trail itself as a guideline of what you will cover next. Start at the beginning of the trail and follow along its route until the end in The Dalles, Oregon. Daily activities could then be based on the geographic location you “are” that day. There are several forts along the way which you could cover, there is the Whitman Mission, there are rivers to cross, landmarks to visit (such as Chimney Rock), etc.
Another subject, which I have not covered here, that should at least be mentioned in connection to the Oregon Trail are the Native Americans who lived in the areas that surrounded the Oregon Trail. The Trail adversely affected many Native Americans through loss of lands and disease. I plan on a separate unit on Native Americans to be published in the near future.
GENERAL RESOURCES:
A website that reviews (and tries to sell) the Oregon Trail computer game; however, I would check you local office supply store or other computer program outlet first as you may get a better price.
www.stargatesoftware.com/html/kidbuy/oregontrail3.htm
Westward Ho! - An Activity Guide to the Wild West by Laurie Carlson
more
www.easyfunschool.com/article1086.html
There are so many different possibilities when doing a unit study on the westward movement in the United States. I tried covering it all in one unit and became overwhelmed with information. I then decided to break the subject down into smaller, more manageable units. Yes, studying this period in this way extends this historical era out over a longer period of time. But, I believe that the westward movement is such an important part of our country’s heritage, and influenced so many of our ancestors’ lives, that I believe it is well worth the extra time spent on it. By narrowing the subject down, it also makes it less stressful on the lesson planning aspect of the study.
This unit will specifically deal with The Oregon Trail. I’ll try and be very specific when listing the general resources. My suggestion is that, just like in the game “Oregon Trail” you first do activities concerned with the preparation for the trail. Then, use the Oregon Trail itself as a guideline of what you will cover next. Start at the beginning of the trail and follow along its route until the end in The Dalles, Oregon. Daily activities could then be based on the geographic location you “are” that day. There are several forts along the way which you could cover, there is the Whitman Mission, there are rivers to cross, landmarks to visit (such as Chimney Rock), etc.
Another subject, which I have not covered here, that should at least be mentioned in connection to the Oregon Trail are the Native Americans who lived in the areas that surrounded the Oregon Trail. The Trail adversely affected many Native Americans through loss of lands and disease. I plan on a separate unit on Native Americans to be published in the near future.
GENERAL RESOURCES:
A website that reviews (and tries to sell) the Oregon Trail computer game; however, I would check you local office supply store or other computer program outlet first as you may get a better price.
www.stargatesoftware.com/html/kidbuy/oregontrail3.htm
Westward Ho! - An Activity Guide to the Wild West by Laurie Carlson
more
www.easyfunschool.com/article1086.html