Unit Overview:
This unit focuses on post-colonial westward expansion of United States territory. Students are introduced to an explanation of westward exploration and expansion. Pioneer lifestyles are examined through such dramatic techniques as role-play, costuming, and set design. Students also examine interactions between Native Americans and settlers; conduct research on famous pioneers, frontiersmen, and explorers; and study folklore of the period.
Lesson Overviews:
Students learn what life was like for early American pioneers and create a tableaux depicting a pioneer scene.
In this lesson, students perform monologues about the early pioneers in America and their motivations for moving West.
Students focus on legendary westerners to understand how individuals impact history.
Through improvisational activities, students are introduced to the folklore of the pioneers; specifically, the tall tale.
