The Pioneers
Why did people move West?
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To identify the push and pull factors that led to westward migration.
To understand the challenges that awaited the early pioneers in their migration westward. |
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AMERICAN WEST
MIGRATION MIGRANT PUSH FACTOR PULL FACTOR |
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INTRODUCTION: Your teacher may show you the two clips above that tell the real life stories of two early travelers in the American West. The first is the story of Francis Parkman who followed the Ogala Indians in the 1840's. It gives a sense of what the American West was like before the westward migration of the early settlers who came from a variety of backgrounds, though collectively set out from cities like Independence Missouri heading West in search of a better life. The second story follows Sally Hester a 14-year old originally from Indiana. As you watch, make notes on the possible challenges that would face these westward migrants and the reasons that they would undertake such a journey (push and pull factors).
Your teacher will then take you through the Presentation below and outline some of the features of the journey and the push and pull factors that motivated different groups. |
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During next lesson you are going to begin the American West game in which you will simulate the migration of peoples across the American West to the lands in California and Oregon. Firstly you will need a character to play in the simulation and then you will need some travel companions to join you before you can set out on the 2000 mile and 6 month journey! Will you all make it and what adventures await?
Your teacher will allocate you a character from the 25 character cards below, this will be your character for the simulation. 1. Make a note of their name. 2. Start researching your character using the resources below (textbook) 3. Identify push and pull factors that were most likely to motivate your characters migration Westward. 4. Now identify 3 other characters that would complement and strengthen your passage through the West. (think about all of the challenges a party would face as they travelled through the West). |
| american-west-settler-character-cards.docx |
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Use pages 4-5 below to find out more push and pull factors for these groups of migrants:
The Mormons The Mountain Men The Gold Miners The Homesteaders |
| the_american_west_e-book_v2_copy.pdf |
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Use the handout below to identify and classify the different reasons for migration.
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| the_oregon_trail_-_push_pull_factors.docx |
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Could you make it to Oregon? Play the pioneer game |
Problem solve how to survive the Oregon Trail by being prepared
Work in your team to take notes of the journey west and identify the challenges and hazards of westward migration
Work in your team to take notes of the journey west and identify the challenges and hazards of westward migration
| preparing_for_the_journey.doc |
| the_oregon_trail_game_worksheets.doc |
| wagons_west_update.ppt |
| writing_a_diary_account_from_the_oregon_trail.docx |
Mr Bish Peer Assessment Activity:
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