To help you do your best work follow these steps:
1. Read through ALL of the directions for each step first.
2. Then click on the link that is underlined.
3. Finish every part of the step before moving on to the next step.
4. You will create a Mind Map to help you remember what you have learned. (You may use
the Popplet App or draw your own Mind Map).
5. Make sure to add to your Mind Map before you go to the next step. (You only need one
Mind Map for the whole project- not one for each step).
6. If you have a question or need help, please ask!
Step 1: Trail of Dreams or Trail of Tears?
Your family has been traveling on the Oregon Trail for about a month now. There are still many months to go and already the journey is difficult and you are ready to be done. Are you having second thoughts?
1. Answer these questions in your Mind Map:
- What is the Oregon Trail?
- Why did pioneers travel on the Oregon Trail?
- How did the pioneers travel?
- What hardships did they face along their journey?
2. To answer these questions watch the videos below:
- Watch the first 3 minutes and 30 seconds of this video (stop the video at 3:30): click HERE
- Watch the first 2 minutes of this video: click HERE
Step 2: Life on the Oregon Trail
Along the way, your family finds an abandoned wagon. It looks like the owners left most of their personal possessions behind in the wagon. Inside, you stumble upon a young teenage girl's journal about her experience on the Oregon Trail.
1. Read the following journal entries (Don't worry, they are very short!) -
- April 20, 1848
- May 20, 1848
- May 31, 1848
- June 14, 1848
- June 22, 1848
- June 25, 1848
- July 5, 1848
- July 8, 1848
- August 21, 1848
2. Include the main ideas in your Mind Map.
3. Click HERE to read Rebekah's journal.
Step 3: Hmmm Interesting
You have had many interesting experiences along your journey. Some things were good, some things were bad and some things were just plain weird!
1. In your mind map include some of the most interesting things that happened during your expedition.
2. Click HERE to read some fascinating facts!