"Journey Through America's Expanding Frontiers"

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

"Journey Through America's Expanding Frontiers"

Veronica Morillon

5.E.1

5.G.1

5.C.1

5.C.2

Purpose

This project invites 5th-grade students to explore the United States' territorial expansion, focusing on its motivations, consequences, and diverse impacts. Through interactive activities and group research, students will examine the effects on the economy, culture, and indigenous peoples, while considering the influence of technology, geography, and natural resources. By investigating different perspectives, including those of immigrants, settlers, and indigenous communities, students will build a nuanced understanding of historical complexities and their relevance to current issues. Additionally, students will engage with 5th-grade ELA and Social Studies California Standards by reading historical texts, analyzing primary sources, and developing their writing and presentation skills through project-based learning.

Learning goals

Students will analyze the motivations and consequences of U.S. territorial growth, examining its effects on the economy, culture, and indigenous peoples, aligned with California 5th-grade standards. They will investigate the role of technological advancements and innovations in facilitating westward expansion. Learners will explore how geography and natural resources influenced expansion strategies and decisions. The project will also encourage students to compare the varied experiences of immigrants, settlers, and indigenous peoples during this period. Through research, collaboration, and presentations, students will develop critical thinking and communication skills, while also meeting 5th-grade ELA standards by reading informational texts, writing reports, and engaging in discussions.

Standards

5.E.1 - Explain how patterns of trade shaped the development of Early America.
5.G.1 - Use geographic tools and sources to research and answer questions about United States geography.
5.C.1 - Construct an understanding of the foundations, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship in the United States.
5.C.2 - Investigate the origins, structures, and functions of the United States government.

Products

Students will create a multimedia presentation that explores the motivations, consequences, and diverse experiences of the United States' territorial expansion. They will develop a digital timeline highlighting key events, technological advancements, and the impact on indigenous peoples and immigrants. Additionally, students will produce a reflective essay or video diary from the perspective of a historical figure or group involved in the expansion, showcasing their understanding of the economic, cultural, and geographical factors at play. These activities will align with California's 5th-grade ELA and Social Studies standards, ensuring students can analyze the role of geography and resources in historical events and understand the impact of expansion on different communities.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive simulation where students take on roles as different stakeholders during the United States' westward expansion, such as settlers, indigenous peoples, government officials, and immigrants. Set up a mock town hall meeting where each group presents their perspectives and motivations regarding territorial growth. Encourage students to use primary sources and historical documents to inform their roles and arguments. This activity will help students explore the essential questions and set the stage for deeper inquiry into the complex dynamics of U.S. expansion. Incorporate California standards by including perspectives from groups relevant to California's history, such as the impact on indigenous tribes and the role of the Gold Rush in migration and settlement. Additionally, integrate ELA standards by having students write persuasive speeches and participate in structured debates, focusing on clear reasoning and evidence from texts.

Exhibition

Students will create a multimedia exhibition showcasing their findings on the United States' territorial expansion, aligned with California's 5th-grade standards, including ELA standards for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They will develop interactive maps, digital timelines, and video presentations that explore the motivations, consequences, and diverse experiences of different groups during this period. The exhibition will include artifacts such as letters or journal entries from the perspective of settlers, immigrants, and indigenous peoples, providing a comprehensive view of the era. This will culminate in a public presentation where students invite community members to engage with their work and discuss the lasting impacts of expansion on American society and culture.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Immersive Simulation Kick-off - Students participate in a mock town hall meeting, assuming roles as settlers, indigenous peoples, government officials, and immigrants. They use primary sources to present their group's perspective on U.S. territorial expansion.	Activity 2: Research Phase - Students divide into groups based on their assigned roles. They gather historical documents, maps, and multimedia resources to understand their stakeholder's perspective and motivations.	Activity 3: Develop Role Descriptions - Each group creates a comprehensive role description that outlines their stakeholder's motivations, challenges, and potential outcomes of the U.S. expansion.	Activity 4: Class Discussion and Reflection - Facilitate a class discussion where students share their role descriptions and initial thoughts, reflecting on how these perspectives might influence their understanding of U.S. territorial expansion.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Role Description Document - A detailed description of each group's assigned stakeholder, including motivations, challenges, and expected outcomes of territorial expansion.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare and distribute primary sources and historical documents related to U.S. westward expansion for students' research. 2. Prep Task 2: Set up the classroom for the immersive simulation, using props or visual aids to enhance the experience. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide students with guidelines and a rubric for creating their role descriptions and participating in the town hall meeting. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange access to computers or library resources for students to conduct research on their assigned roles.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Story Mapping - Students create a story map that outlines the key events, technological advancements, and impacts of U.S. territorial expansion. They annotate maps with important dates, figures, and outcomes from multiple perspectives, using geographic tools to understand the influence of geography and natural resources.	Activity 2: Perspective Analysis - In their groups, students analyze the experiences of different groups during the expansion period. They compare and contrast the perspectives of settlers, indigenous peoples, and immigrants, using primary sources and historical context to understand the varied experiences.	Activity 3: Multimedia Timeline Development - Students begin to develop a digital timeline that incorporates the events, technologies, and experiences of diverse groups. This timeline will serve as a framework for their multimedia presentation, focusing on the role of technology and geography.	Activity 4: Reflection and Collaboration - Groups share their story maps and timelines with the class, providing feedback and insights. Students engage in a reflective discussion about how different factors and perspectives influence their understanding of expansion, addressing the essential questions of the project.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Story Map - A detailed and annotated map that illustrates key events and impacts of U.S. territorial expansion from multiple perspectives. 2. Deliverable 2: Multimedia Timeline Draft - An initial draft of a digital timeline highlighting events, technological advancements, and cultural impacts during the expansion.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide access to digital mapping tools and resources for creating story maps. 2. Prep Task 2: Curate a selection of primary sources and multimedia resources that offer diverse perspectives on the U.S. expansion. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up guidelines and a rubric for the story map and timeline deliverables. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange for any necessary technology or software needed for students to develop digital timelines.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Technological Advancements Workshop - Students work in groups to create a model or digital representation of a technological advancement like the telegraph or railroad. They research its impact on expansion and present their findings through a short video or poster.	Activity 2: Cultural Impact Project - Students choose a specific group affected by U.S. expansion (e.g., indigenous tribes, settlers, immigrants) and create a case study. They compile information from primary sources to illustrate cultural changes, presenting their work as a digital story or podcast.	Activity 3: Role-Playing Debate - Students engage in a debate, representing different expansion-era stakeholders. Each group uses evidence to support their stance on topics like land rights or resource distribution, culminating in a class discussion.	Activity 4: Exhibition Preparation - Students organize their research and projects for the final exhibition. They plan the layout and presentation of their work, integrating multimedia elements and interactive components.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Technological Advancement Model/Poster - A visual or digital representation of a key technology from the expansion era with an explanation of its role and effects. 2. Deliverable 2: Cultural Impact Case Study - A digital story or podcast detailing the cultural impact of territorial expansion on a chosen group. 3. Deliverable 3: Debate Position Paper - A written or recorded summary of each group's arguments and conclusions from the debate.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide materials and guidance for creating models or digital representations of technologies, such as craft supplies or software. 2. Prep Task 2: Curate diverse primary sources and multimedia content for the cultural impact projects, ensuring varied perspectives are available. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a rubric and guidelines for the debate, including criteria for evidence-based arguments and teamwork. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare resources and space for the exhibition setup, ensuring all necessary technology and display areas are available.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Finalize Multimedia Presentation - Students refine and complete their multimedia presentations, ensuring they address the essential questions about U.S. territorial expansion and incorporate diverse perspectives. They will use feedback from previous weeks to enhance their work.	Activity 2: Exhibition Setup and Rehearsal - Students collaboratively arrange the exhibition space, setting up interactive maps, digital timelines, and multimedia displays. They will rehearse their presentations, focusing on engaging the audience and responding to questions.	Activity 3: Public Exhibition and Peer Feedback - Students present their findings to an audience of peers, teachers, and community members. They will facilitate discussions, answer questions, and receive constructive feedback on their presentations.	Activity 4: Reflection and Evaluation - After the exhibition, students participate in a reflective session to discuss their learning experiences. They evaluate the project's outcomes, considering the historical and present-day implications of U.S. territorial expansion.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Finalized Multimedia Presentation - A comprehensive and polished presentation that addresses key questions and presents multiple perspectives on U.S. territorial expansion. 2. Deliverable 2: Public Exhibition Display - An interactive and well-organized exhibition showcasing students' research and creative projects. 3. Deliverable 3: Reflection Journal - A written or video reflection capturing students' insights and evaluations of their project experiences.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Review students' draft presentations, providing feedback to ensure alignment with project objectives and standards. 2. Prep Task 2: Organize the exhibition space, ensuring all necessary technology and equipment for multimedia displays are available. 3. Prep Task 3: Invite community members and coordinate logistics for the public exhibition event. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare reflection prompts and evaluation criteria to guide students in their reflections on the project.