Economics

Economics is an important subject for individuals to learn because it is basically the study of what an individual can and cannot have. If an individual wants something but cannot have it, they will try to obtain it. If an individal can have something, it is most likely because they have the resources made available to them that will allow for that.

Today we will study the reason the pioneers moved to the western side of the United States on the ever-so-famous, Oregon Trail.

You will first watch a video that explains the Oregon Trail in a little more detail.

Afterwards, you all will be divided in groups and given specific circumstances that your "families" are facing. Each group will decide whether or not it is more beneficial for you to seek land in the west coast, or whether or not it ends up being more costly for you. You and your group will be the judge. Different situations will include things such as the following: lack of food, severe illness, no access to a wagon or horse, and pregnancy.

Students will first watch the video titled, "Covered Wagons of the Oregon Trail".

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdbnriTpg_M align:center]

Once the video is complete, students will be divided into groups of four or five.

Each group will be given a basket that has the roles each "family member" has. (mom, dad, daughter, son, cousin, aunt, etc). 

Within the baskets will also be a little information about the family. It will include things such as whether or not there is an illness in the family, pregnancy, lack of food, etc.

The group will be directed to have a discussion with one another as far as whether or not they think it is beneficial for them to move to the west coast or not in search of a better place.

A T-chart will be created on one poster sheet per group and then presented to the rest of the class once everyone is done. 

If you and your group would like to obtain even more information on the Oregon Trail and what it was like, please feel free to visit these websites as additional resources:

http://americanhistory.mrdonn.org/oregontrail.html

http://www.thefurtrapper.com/oregon_trail.htm

Students will be evaluated based on how active they are within their group discussions. I will walk around the classroom to ensure that all students are actively engaged in the discussion and will ask questions to groups of students that I feel are off track or confused to assist them in getting back on track. Groups T-charts' will also be evaluated. This will not be evaluated by quantity, but will instead be evaluated by quality. Students should be able to explain great reasons that support their decision to move or not move to the west coast on the Oregon Trail given their circumstances.

The decisions that you have made as to whether or not your "families" should move to the Oregon Coast or not is a perfect example of economics. Economics does not always concern money; however, it does concern the scarcity of the materials that individuals have in order to obtain something that they desire. Some of you were unable to move to the Oregon Coast due to various factors, while others may have had valid reasons as to why that was the best decision for them. 

Now that you all have had an opportunity to present your situations to the rest of the class, I would like for everyone to complete a one-paged reflection about the importance of economics and why you should or shouldn't care about it. Is this something that you would most likely use in your every day life?

I would like to extend a "thank you" to YouTube for always providing an abundance of videos to help teach students a large amount of information at any given time, as well as Classroom Clipart for offering a source for free clipart.

This webquest will be used for a fourth grade classroom. The Washington State Social Studies Standards that will be met after completion of the assignment are as follows:

2.1.1 Understands and analyzes the costs and benefits of people's decisions to move and relocate to meet their needs and wants

Purpose and Rationale:

Students will be able to participate in an engaging and meaningful activity as they role-play and imagine themselves as a family who had the option to travel the Oregon Trail. This is a great activity for this grade because it aligns well with the Washington State Standard and will encourage students to learn about economics and relocating to meet their own specific needs based on their given situations. It gives them a little bit of practice before they head on to adulthood and have to make these decisions on a regular basis.