Westward Expansion

Designed by JoAnna Castiello, George Washington Elementary School, Union City New Jersey School District

jcastiello@union-city.k12.nj.us

Introduction

The United States of America is a little over two hundred years old. Many factors contributed to its quick ascent as one of the world's leading powers.  The time period from 1829-1859, when early leaders acquired land west of the Mississippi River was a significant moment in America's attainment of economic wealth and growth.  

In this webquest you will discover the path of America's Westward Expansion.  You will ponder the consequences of Westward Expansion on settlers, Native Americans, slaves, and leaders.  In addition you will synthesize the information gained from this webquest and from the perspective of a child living during this time period, make an argument for or against heading West with your family.

Please note: In order to answer questions embedded in questions on edpuzzle, you must  open the site in Firefox.

For students with difficulty reading on grade level, use the following assistive technology:

Having the computer read you the article Text-To-Speech

1. Highlight the text in the website
2. Go to "Edit' on the Safari Toolbar.
3. Scroll down to "Speech".
4. Click on "Start Speaking".

Simplifying the text of a website - Rewordify.com

1. Go to rewordify.com
2. Highlight and copy the information from your website.
3. Paste the information into rewordify.com
4. Click rewordify text. 

Blendspace: To view the "process" or activities portion of this WebQuest by topic, visit:

https://www.blendspace.com/lessons/SXo5ejSH31LNgA/edit

Common Core State Standards Addressed in this WebQuest

RI 5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaing what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from a text.

RI 5.2. Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by the key details; summarize the text. 

RI 5.3 Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.

RI 5.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to grade 5 topic or subject area.  

RI 5.7 Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or solve a problem efficiently.

W 5.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.  (Including W 5.2.a, W 5.2.b, W 5.2.c, W 5.2.d, W 5.2.e)

SL 5.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups,  and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

SL 5.2 Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

SL 5.4 Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes: speaking clearly at an understandable pace.

Your task is to read about the individuals and events that played a pivotal role in Westward Expansion and make an argument for or against heading west with your family during the 18oo's to claim land.  In addition you will read and write using tier II academic words and tier III domain specific words (words associated with this topic).  Also, if time remains, you will write an information piece using the information gained from this WebQuest.

Use the websites listed in this webquest, your social studies textbook/workbook, biography readers and any relevant trade books to research information.  Topics you will explore are Manifest Destiny, The California Gold Rush, The Transcontinental Railroad, The Homestead Act, The Louisiana Purchase, The Mexican-American War, The Treatment of Native Indians, The Oregon Trail, The Pony Express, Cowboys, Famous Gunfighters, Sacagawea and Lewis and Clark.

You will answer questions about the causes and consequences of Western Expansion and draw conclusions about its' lasting effects.  

Using the information you discover from this WebQuest you will write an opinion piece from the perspective of a prospective (possible) pioneer.

Step 1 Materials and Set-Up

• Before you begin, your teacher will assign a partner for you to work with. 
• Make sure you have obtained question sheet(s) from your teacher.  These questions will be a part of the activities.
• Keep these sheets in a folder.
• With your partner determine who is answering which set of questions.  
• Both partners should review all  video clips.
• If you have a difficult time following all the tasks below, click on the blendspace here and the activities will be broken down into sections or categories: https://www.blendspace.com/lessons/SXo5ejSH31LNgA/edit

Step 2

Overview of Westward Expansion

Read the introduction page of the website here:

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/

1.  What did early expansion in America consist of?

2.  Explain what the Louisiana Purchase was.

3.  What is Manifest Destiny?

4.  Why did America fight a war with Mexico?

5.  Why did settlers and pioneers head west?

 

I. Manifest Destiny

Video and activities can be found by following the link below.  Once at the Blendspace site, press "Play".

http://blnds.co/1sSTjjf

II. California Gold Rush

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/california_gold_rush.php

1. Who first discovered gold in California?

2.  Who were the forty-niners?

3.  Describe the process of panning for gold.

4.  What were Boomtowns and why did these towns usually become ghost towns?

III. Transcontinental Railroad

video: http://www.history.com/topics/westward-expansion

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/first_transcontinental_railroad.php

1. What was the Transcontinental Railroad and how was it a benefit to westward expansion?

2. Who were the first proponents (supporters) of the Transcontinental Railroad?

3. Which route did Congress choose for the Transcontinental Railroad?

4. Why was the Pacific Railroad Act passed?

5. What challenges/obstacles did the workers of the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad have to contend with?

6.  Primarily, who were the workers on the Transcontinental Railroad and why were these people chosen to do this work?

7.  Where did the two Railroads meet?

8. How did the Transcontinental Railroad transform America and help it become one of the world's greatest economic powers?

IV. The Homestead Act

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/homestead_act_land_rush.php

1. Why did the U.S. government pass the Homestead Act?

2. What did the Homestead Act of consist of?

3.  What was  a land rush?

4. What was a "sooner"?

5.  Name one interesting fact you learned about the Homestead Act and Land Rush?

V. The Louisiana Purchase

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/louisiana_purchase.php

1.  What was the Louisiana Purchase?

2.  Why did the United States want more land?

3.  Why did Thomas Jefferson want the settlement of New Orleans?

4.  How much was the Louisianan Purchase?

5.  How big was the Louisiana Purchase?

6.  Why did some members of Congress not support the Louisiana Purchase?

7.  Which expeditions were formed to explore the west and what area did thsoe expeditions cover?

8.  Name an interesting fact about the Louisiana Purchase.

VI. The Mexican-American War

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/mexican-american_war.php

1.  Why was there a dispute between Texas and Mexico?

2.  What was the Alamo?

3.  How does Texas become a part of America?

4.  Describe the Mexican American War.  Who was the general for Mexico and who was the general of Texas?

5.  What happened at the Battle of Buena Vista?

6.  How did President Polk undermine General Zachary and why did he do this?

7.  Describe the conditions of the Treaty of Guadalupe.

 

VII. The Oregon Trail

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/oregon_trail.php

1.  What was the Oregon Trail?

2.  Where did the Oregon Trail start and end?  How much distance did it cover?

3.  Describe a covered wagon in detail.

4. Why was traveling on the Oregon Trail so dangerous?

5.  Describe the types of supplies or items used on the Oregon Trail.

VIII. Pony Express

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/pony_express.php

1.  What was the Pony Express?

2.  How did the Pony Express work?

3.  Describe the route of the Pony Express.

4.  Who were the riders of the Pony Express?

5.  When did the Pony Run and why did the Pony Express End?

6.  Name an interesting fact about the Pony Express.

Frontier Life

IX. Cowboys

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/cowboys.php

1.  Why were cowboys significant to westward expansion?

2.  Describe the cattle drive.  Who was involved?  What tasks were performed?

3.  What was the "roundup"?

4.  What were the consequences of stealing a cowboy's horse?

5.  Describe a cowboy's clothing.

6.  Explain the "cowboy's code".

7.  What was a rodeo?

8.  Would you want to be a cowboy?  Why or why not?  

People of the West

X. Famous Gunfighters

http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/famous_gunfighters.php

1.  How did men protect themselves in the old west?

2.  How did the law exist in the old west?

3.  How did Wild Bill Hickock avoid retribution from the law?

4.  How would you describe Wild Bill Hickock as a "good guy" or a "bad guy"?  Explain.

5.  Who was Billy the Kid?

6.  Why did Jesse James initially become a gunslinger and killer?

7.  Who betrayed Jesse James and how was he betrayed?

8.  What was shocking about John wesley Hardin?

9.  What were the circumstances involving Wyatt Earp and the "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral"?

9.  Who were the members of the Wild Bunch and what did they do?

For the next section you will view a video and answer the questions that follow.  

video: https://edpuzzle.com/media/53d6544adf1797877fc828b1

 XI. Westward Strategy: The Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expidition

Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea

1. What was Thomas Jefferson's "agrarian dream"?

2.  Who did Thomas Jefferson's "agrarian dream" hurt?  And why?

3.  Why was New Orleans' so significant to the West?

4.  Why was Napoleon willing to sell The Louisiana Territory?

5.  Why can the Louisiana Purchase be considered the most important real estate transaction in history?

6.  Thomas Jefferson hoped there would be a Northwest Passage in The Louisiana territory.  What would the Northwest Passage be?  If there was a Northwest Passage, how would it accumulate or add power to the United States?

7.  Record facts about Lewis and Clark.  Compare and contrast the two men.  

8.  Who was York and what role did he play in the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

9.  What message or directive did Thomas Jefferson want Lewis and Clark to convey to the Natives?

10.  Why did the expedition pause at Fort Mandan?

11.  What difficulties did Sacagawea face early in her life?  

12.  How did Sacagawea find herself in the company of Lewis and Clark?

13.  List and explain all the ways Sacagawea played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

14.  How did traveling with Lewis and Clark lead to a fateful moment for Sacagawea?

15.  How did Sacagawea aid Lewis and Clark once again when encountering the Shoshone?

16.  How did the Nez Perce Indians assist Lewis and Clark?

17.  What was at the end of the Lewis and Clark journey?

18.  What do the different colors on the map represent?

19.  Why can the Lewis and Clark Expedition be considered a success?

20.  How did the Lewis and Clark Expedition fail?

 

XII. The Role Children Played

http://www.scholastic.com/teachdearamerica/westward.htm

1.  What is a caravan?

2.  What roles and tasks did children perform on the American frontier?

XII. Native American Removal

http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/trailoftears.html

http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/westward_expansion/trailoftears.htm

The questions below are also embedded in the video below, open it in Firefox in order to answer the questions.

video: https://edpuzzle.com/media/53c6bcc119cc4e8d0a7df33b

1.  What was removal?

2.  What does the word marginalizing mean as it is used in the video, "they were marginalizing the people."?

3.  How did the white settlers or Americans perceive the Natives?

4.  What is cosmology?

5.  What is paternalism?

6.  Who instigated the fighting between the Natives and settlers? The Natives?  The settlers? Or army?  And why?

7.  What was the Removal Act of 1830?

8.  Based on the tone of David Wrone's comments in this video, would you say he is for or against what happened to the Native American Indians?  How did you draw this conclusion?

9.  What was the outcome of Black Hawk's attempt to reclaim his  tribe's land?

10.  Did the U.S. honor any of their promises to the Native American Indians?

11.  How did the Trail of Tears impact the Cherokee Indians?

Students will be evaluated based on their coherence to the CCCS writing, speaking and listening, and reading information standards.  

Below are benchmarks created by the Union City Board of Education, which adhere to all aspects of this Web Quest.  Mastery is expected of all the standards.

		Mastery
Reading Information	Student will write two journal entries using domain-specific vocabulary.  The first entry is from the point of view of a pioneer child on the Oregon Trail.  It should include the reasons why he or she is headed west and the daily events he or she encounters along the trail.  It should include an encounter with Native Indians.  RI 5.3, RI 5.6, RI 5.10, W 5.3, W 5.9, L 5.2, L 5.2, L 5.6
Writing	Student will complete the following writing tasks. One writing task must undergo the six steps of the writing process: Rehearsal/Brainstorming, Drafting, Revising, Editing, Publishing, and Evaluating: Writing Task 3A: Write a theme-related, 5-paragraph narrative composition.  (Ex: Write a story from first or third person perspective with Westward Expansion as the back-drop.)  W 5.3, W 5.4, W 5.5, W 5.10, L 5.2 Writing Task 3B: Write a 5-paragraph opinion essay on a teacher selected topic or thesis statement developed from reflecting and reading a core novel and researching information on a topic related to the core novel (Westward Expansion)  Example:  Make an argument for or against heading West with your family if you lived during the 1800's.  W 5.1, W 5.4, W 5.5, W 5.10, L 5.2 Writing Task 3C: Write a 5-paragraph information/explanatory piece on teacher-selected topic. (Ex: Examine the causes and consequences of important events that took place during Westward Expansion).  W 5.2, W 5.4, W 5.5, W 5.10, L 5.2, L 5.1
Speaking and Listening (relates to opinion writing assignment)	Student will participate in a debate on a teacher-selected topic.  Student should come prepared with knowledge, express their ideas clearly, and build on other’s ideas during the discussion.  After listening to the opposition, student will summarize the speaker’s point of view. SL 5.1, SL 5.3, SL 5.4, SL 5.6, L 5.1
Research  (Information Benchmark)	Student will generate a thesis statement to focus their information research paper around, which will be based on the information collected in this WebQuest. W 5.2, W 5.4, W 5.9, W 5.10

 

One Approach to the Writing Process

Prior to any writing, the students should be brainstorming or rehearsing (discussing) their new learning about the topic as well as their thoughts and reflections on the content of Westward Expansion, including any thoughts and or conclusions related to the novels associate with this unit.

Drafting: Students will keep a reader’s response journal for a core novel and any text or media accompanying the unit on Westward Expansion.  As an active reader the student will engage with the text and reflect daily on the content he or she is reading (Drafting Seed Ideas).  Students may consider how what he or she has learned from the character or event in the story is also important in life.  Students can think about what the novel or unit teaches us.  Students can consider how opinions they had in the beginning of a novel have changed.  Students may also consider how something that's true in the novel is also true in life.  

Revision: After an appropriate amount of drafting or reflecting, students will review their reflections and determine a theme running throughout their response.  Themes should revolve around a “big message’ or “life lesson” running through their reflection. This theme will be the basis of a thesis or claim they will elaborate on with support in the form of reasons and evidence.  

Edit and Publish: The final piece to be edited and published can be a literary essay based on a thesis statement, which stems from their revision work.  In the literary essay students will provide reasons and evidence to support their claim.

As a result of participating in this WebQuest students should have a deeper understanding of the events that lead to Westward Expansion and the effects of this Movement on various groups of people.  Students should also consider the moral implications of a nation's quest for wealth and power.