Why did people move west? Why did emigrants form wagon trains? What happened when settlers and Indians encountered each other? Students form family groups and join a wagon train, which helps them build an understanding of the journey across the U.S. in the 1840s. They confront difficulties such as illness, food shortages, and broken wagon. Encounters with Indians set the scene for examining the views of the period as well as the ethical issues surrounding westward expansion. The complete unit includes a teacher’s guide, a CD with reproducible student portfolios, and content slides Grades 5–8.
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