Description
Click here to view a free preview of the unit!
*NEW: This unit now includes DIGITAL ACCESS via Google Slides.*
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I have created a Google Slides resource for each lesson. Each resource contains student instructions, student worksheets with editable text boxes, and articles/task cards if applicable.
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Google Slides can be assigned by teachers via Google Classroom. I hope this update will help teachers who are implementing distance learning due to COVID-19.
This three-week unit will make learning about Westward Expansion accessible and engaging for your students. Even better, I’ve designed it to be easy to prep and teach.
Why I created this unit
1. I want your students to love learning about U.S. history!
2. Teachers deserve excellent social studies resources (Can someone please tell our school districts?)
3. Planning complete units is tedious and time-consuming. I want to save teachers time so they can focus on doing what they love—teaching!
Table of Contents
Week 1
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Manifest Destiny— define Westward Expansion & Manifest Destiny and evaluate beliefs about America’s mission in the world (PowerPoint presentation, student note worksheets, 4 corners posters)
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Lewis and Clark Expedition—analyze journals from the Lewis and Clark Expedition (informative article, excerpts from Lewis and Clark journals, student analysis worksheets)
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Forces Driving Westward Expansion—use primary and secondary sources to discover which forces drove Westward Expansion (artifact cards, student recording sheets)
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U.S. Territorial Acquisitions—map and compare U.S. territorial acquisitions from 1783 to 1853 (blank map, acquisitions task cards, student reflection page)
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Westward Expansion Trails—map and analyze Westward Expansion overland trails (blank map, trail task cards, student reflection pages)
Week 2
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All About the Oregon Trail—explain what life was like for emigrants on the Oregon Trail and prepare for an Oregon Trail simulation (informative article, student worksheets)
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Oregon Trail Simulation—participate in a simulation about the Oregon Trail and explain the challenges faced by emigrants on the Oregon Trail (PowerPoint presentation, student worksheets, reflection)
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Indian Removal Part 1—sequence and analyze events relating to Indian Removal in the Southeastern United States (timeline cards, reflection page)
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Indian Removal Part 2—respond silently in writing to prompts about Indian Removal and discuss insights (informative article, silent conversation prompts)
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Texas Revolution—explain the main events of the Texas Revolution and participate in a readers theatre about the Battle of Gonzales (informative article, readers theater)
Week 3
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Mexican-American War—describe the causes and effects of the Mexican-American War and explain various perspectives on the war (informative article, cause & effect sorting cards, student worksheets)
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California Gold Rush—answer questions about the California Gold Rush (anticipation guide, task cards, student booklet)
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California Gold Rush Game—play a California Gold Rush game acting as a prospector or merchant (game preparation worksheet, gameboard and game elements)
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Westward Expansion and Slavery—explain how Westward Expansion led to the growth of slavery in the United States and explain how three compromises (The Missouri Compromise, The Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act) inflamed sectional rivalries in the United States (PowerPoint presentation, student note worksheets, reflection page)
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Westward Expansion Effects—explain how Westward Expansion resulted in opportunities for some and losses for others (group cards, student worksheets, journal prompt)
Westward Expansion Unit: Help For The Teacher
- Table of contents (also available in the preview)
- Suggested pacing guide
- 15 lesson plans
- Answer Keys (Of course!)
- Editable end-of-unit test and study guide
- Easy printing file with all student worksheets and articles
How can this unit be for grades 5th-8th?
The 13 Colonies unit articles are written at a 7th-8th grade reading level. If you teach one of those grades, your students will be able to complete the activities more or less independently. If you teach 5th or 6th grade, I recommend reading and analyzing the articles with your students. They will do great! Check out the reviews to see how teachers at your grade level have successfully used and loved this unit.
Where can I find more history units?
I have already created units for the following topics:
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Important Customer Information
All of our products are digital and are non-refundable. This is a digital file. A physical product will not be shipped. Please make sure you have a way to open a zip file and a PDF before purchasing. Please view the preview and read the product description carefully.
After purchasing, you should receive an email with the files within a few minutes of placing your order. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder. Need help? Contact me at becca@thecleverteacher.com. Please allow 24 hours for a reply.
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Copyright© 2020 The Clever Teacher
All rights reserved by the author.
Total Pages 176 pages
Answer Key Included
Teaching Duration 3 Weeks
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