Little House in the Big Woods

Introduction

It is hard for us to imagine back in time to the days of  the settlers moving westward.  Through this web quest you will "journey" back in time to the 1800's.  You will discover how boys and girls lived then, and spend a day in their shoes.  So c'mon and grab your bonnets and hats, hop into the covered wagon, and "Westward Ho!"

Task

First, you will go on a Colonial Day Scavenger Hunt.  As we read Little House in the Big Woods together in class, you will complete an activity researching and comparing the homes of yesterday and today; travel the Oregon Trail as the settlers did, learn the steps in making maple syrup, and create a puppet that summarizes the story of "Pa and the Voice in the Woods".  Finally, you will dress, eat, and live a day as the colonial children did.

Process

1. Complete the Scavenger Hunt  

2. After reading chapters 1-2, and researching homes that Laura lived in, fill in the worksheet comparing Laura's home with your own.

3. When you have completed chapters 3-5, create an owl puppet constructed from a brown bag.  Decorate the front to resemble an owl.  On the back side of the bag, you will summarize the story of "Pa and the Voice in the Woods" Write at least two detailed paragraphs.

4. After reading chapters 6-8, make a diagram showing the steps in making maple syrup.  

5. Play Oregon Trail  to learn how the settlers traveled and the hardships that they encountered.  Record the number of miles that you were able to travel.

 

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Evaluation

You will be evaluated on the following things:

  • Scavenger Hunt Research Sheet (Sheet)

  • Homes of Yesterday and Today comparison. (Sheet)

  • Owl Puppet/Summary

  • Maple Syrup diagram from Inspiration software

  • Completion of Oregon Trail game

Conclusion

I hope that you have enjoyed discovering what life was like in Laura Ingall's day.  As you continue your adventure into your future life, I hope that you will use what you have learned to recognize and appreciate the many advancements/conveniences that have changed our lives.  Remember that some day in the not so distant future, children will be studying the ways that you lived as "the good old days" of life long ago!

Credits

Jan Hartzell

Microsoft Clip art