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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Pioneer America: Journey west

http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/educators/lessons/grade-3-4/Pioneer_Journey_West.aspx

A lesson plan for grades K–3 Social Studies

Provider: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts


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In this ARTSEDGE lesson, students learn about the early pioneers in America and their motivations for moving West. They discover what life was like for these explorers and list items necessary for westward travel during the mid-1800s. Students also create a map of the Oregon Trail, conduct research on historical sites along the trail, and present findings to the class via oral presentations.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 1

  • Goal 5: The learner will express geographic concepts in real life situations.
    • Objective 5.02: Investigate key features of maps.
    • Objective 5.03: Use geographic terminology and tools to create representations of the earth's physical and human features through simple maps, models, and pictures.
    • Objective 5.06: Compare and contrast geographic features of places within various communities.
    • Objective 5.07: Explore physical features of continents and major bodies of water.

Grade 2

  • Goal 5: The learner will understand the relationship between people and geography in various communities.
    • Objective 5.03: Compare and contrast the physical features of communities and regions.
    • Objective 5.05: Interpret maps, charts, and pictures of locations.
    • Objective 5.06: Identify and describe the people, vegetation, and animal life specific to certain regions and describe their interdependence.

Grade 3

  • Goal 4: The learner will explain geographic concepts and the relationship between people and geography in real life situations.
    • Objective 4.01: Distinguish between various types of maps and globes.
    • Objective 4.02: Use appropriate source maps to locate communities.
    • Objective 4.03: Use geographic terminology to describe and explain variations in the physical environment as communities.
    • Objective 4.04: Compare how people in different communities adapt to or modify the physical environment to meet their needs.

Kindergarten

  • Goal 5: The learner will express basic geographic concepts in real life situations.
    • Objective 5.02: Create and interpret simple maps, models, and drawings of the home, school, and other environments.