Katie Golin
Pinckney, MI

100 point unit

Duration of unit:3 weeks

Grades 4-7 

A: Layer Choices: (15 points each)

1. For the simulation, students will have to complete all written assignments and participate in class discussions and activities to get their points.
2. For the Compare and Contrast paper students will need to first explain the similarities between the Erie Canal and the Oregon Trail pathways to the west.  Then explain the differences between the two pathways giving real specific facts for both.  In the last paragraph students need to make a stand as to which they would have like to take and why.

 

B: Layer Choices: (10 points each)

1. Participate in the art activity for Monument painting.
2. Build a sandwich sculpture of Chimney Rock with the class.
3. Complete a painting for Blue Mountain.
4. Sew a top hat or sun bonnet to wear during the simulations.
5. Make a food of their choice to bring to class to share.  Please make sure this was a food actually eaten on the trail.

 

6. Open box:  This is for students who would like to expand their thinking for a project of their choice – perhaps building a cover wagon, making a mobile for the story elements, etc.

 

C: Layer Choices: (5 points each)

1. Students need to learn the vocabulary and be tested on it orally/written by a teacher.  The words that will need to be studied are in packets given to each student.  Some examples are schooner, smallpox, fort, cholera, yoke, epidemics, stampede, wagon master, widow
2. The Sager Book will need to be put together, colored and read to a school mate.
3. Life on the Trail:  Is a comprehension activity that will be completed in class with the teacher.
4. Reader’s Theater is a play that will need to be practiced and then read to the morning news.
5. Review Chapters are comprehension questions and vocab. from the story Bound For Oregon. Chapters 1 thru 12 are a MUST but review 13-16 is a choice if the student needs points.