Any fifth grade teachers?

Hi! When we get back from the break, I am beginining westward expansion with my students. I am the only teacher in my building who teaches the fifth grade Soc. St. so I have no one else to ask about their lesson ideas. I am looking for ideas on how to teach this. Does anyone have any lessons or projects that they do? I would really appreciate any help that you could give me. Thanks so much!!!

Re: Any fifth grade teachers?

did you try any lesson plans sites like lessopnplanspage.com pr edhelper.com

Re: Any fifth grade teachers?

You could have them do an interactive game on the Oregon Trail.

I made one in college, just modified it from the computer game.

Re: Any fifth grade teachers?

I did a whole unit on Westward expansion when I was student teaching

1) Found two Diary books...one was a pioneer boy and one was a girl. The class split during the day and one book was higher level and one was lower. We would read aloud or read silent, discus and the kids would answer quesions based on the book.

2) The class had a choice of 4 different options for a westward expansion project...here is what I handed out to the class...

Westward Ho!
As we continue our study of the Westward Expansion you will be required to choose and complete one of the fun projects listed below:

1.Pioneer Travel Guide Create a pioneer travel guide to convince your friends in the East to join you out West. This guide must include:
•What to pack for your journey
•Different trails to travel on
•Dangers that may be encountered along the way
•What life is like once you arrive in Oregon.
****Include pictures and information on every page.

2.Pop Up Book Create a pop up book to describe your journey and life in Oregon.
•Include the different trails the pioneers used
•Hardships they faced
•Life in Oregon including homes, schools and chores pioneer children did.
****You may use your own illustrations or pictures you find on the computer. Provide information and pictures on each page.

3.Write A Letter Write a letter to a friend or relative in the East describing your new life out West. Include the following:
•Talk about why you left,
•What the journey was like (hardships or dangers)
•Provide a description about your home, surroundings and feelings about your new life.

4.Write A Diary Maintain a diary of your adventures heading West and of your life once you arrived in Oregon. Include the same details as the above assignment.
***Remember it is your choice. Pick what you like and have fun!!


The projects were truly amazing and the kids all said they had fun learning. We spent time in the library and computer room doing research

Re: Any fifth grade teachers?

Some of the websites we used...


http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Allabout.html

http://pioneerlife.tripod.com/

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/our_america/westward_expansion/

http://library.thinkquest.org/6400/?tqskip=1

Re: Any fifth grade teachers?

Oh one book was called "To Oregan" and the other was "Diary of a Pioneer Boy"

Hope that helped

Re: Any fifth grade teachers?

Thank you so much for the great ideas!!!

Re: Any fifth grade teachers?

Hope you can use some of them