"Westward Ho! A Journey Through Time"

High School Grade

Project
2 weeks

"Westward Ho! A Journey Through Time"

Sofia T

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse you in the historical events surrounding the annexation of western lands, such as California, Texas, and Oregon, into the United States. Through hands-on activities like creating maps, timelines, and engaging in creative writing, you'll explore the diverse perspectives and motivations of those involved in the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War. This project aims to enhance your understanding of these pivotal moments in history while developing your ability to communicate your insights accurately and creatively.

Learning goals

By engaging in this project, you will gain a deeper understanding of the historical events surrounding the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War, including the different perspectives and motivations of the groups involved. You will enhance your ability to communicate accurately and precisely through creative writing and presentations. You will also develop critical thinking skills as you analyze historical events and construct a digital timeline and map that illustrate the territorial changes and outcomes of these wars.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.

Products

You will create a digital timeline using a presentation tool to showcase important events, figures, and outcomes of the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War, including images and brief descriptions. Additionally, you'll construct a map illustrating the territorial changes from these conflicts, highlighting their impact on U.S. expansion. Your creative writing piece, such as a diary entry or letter from a historical figure's perspective, will reflect on their motivations and experiences. Finally, your personal reflection journal will capture daily insights and reflections throughout the project.

Launch

Step into a 'Time Traveler's Escape Room' where you solve puzzles and decode messages to uncover the events that led to the annexation of western lands. Work collaboratively to 'escape' with newfound knowledge about the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War. Engage with clues that reveal different perspectives and motivations of the groups involved, setting the stage for your project journey.

Exhibition

Invite classmates and family to a 'Gallery Walk' where you display your personal reflection journals and creative writing pieces. Encourage visitors to leave comments and questions on sticky notes, fostering an interactive and engaging experience. This exhibition allows you to showcase your understanding and creativity, while also gaining insights from others' perspectives.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Engage in the 'Time Traveler's Escape Room' to uncover the events that led to the annexation of western lands. Collaborate with classmates to solve puzzles and decode messages, gaining insights into the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War.	Activity 2: Begin designing a digital timeline using a presentation tool. Research and select key events, figures, and outcomes from the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War. Start drafting brief descriptions and sourcing images for each entry.	Activity 3: Construct a draft map illustrating the territorial changes resulting from the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War. Use resources such as historical maps and atlases to accurately depict the changes.	Activity 4: Write a creative piece, such as a diary entry or letter from the perspective of a historical figure involved in the Texas War for Independence or the Mexican-American War. Reflect on the motivations and experiences of the figure.	Activity 5: Start a personal reflection journal. Write daily entries about your learning experiences, feelings, and any questions that arise during the project. Use this journal to track your progress and thoughts.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A draft version of the digital timeline, including selected events, brief descriptions, and images. 2. Deliverable 2: A draft map illustrating territorial changes from the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War. 3. Deliverable 3: A creative writing piece from the perspective of a historical figure involved in the wars. 4. Deliverable 4: Daily entries in a personal reflection journal documenting learning experiences and reflections.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Refine your digital timeline. Add detailed descriptions and ensure all images are correctly sourced and cited. Double-check the accuracy of the events and figures included.	Activity 2: Finalize the map illustrating the territorial changes. Enhance it with labels, a legend, and any relevant annotations that explain the significance of the changes.	Activity 3: Participate in a structured peer review session where you share your creative writing piece with a partner for feedback. Use this feedback to revise and polish your work.	Activity 4: Reflect on your learning journey by writing a comprehensive entry in your personal reflection journal. Summarize your key takeaways from the project and any lingering questions or thoughts.	Activity 5: Organize and set up the 'Gallery Walk' exhibition. Display your timeline, map, creative writing piece, and reflection journal. Prepare to engage with classmates and visitors, answering questions and discussing your work.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A complete and polished digital timeline with detailed descriptions and images. 2. Deliverable 2: A finalized map with labels, a legend, and annotations illustrating territorial changes. 3. Deliverable 3: A revised creative writing piece based on peer feedback. 4. Deliverable 4: A comprehensive reflection journal entry summarizing the project experience. 5. Deliverable 5: Participation in the 'Gallery Walk' exhibition, showcasing your completed project components.
Preparation