Westward Expansion Web Quest

SHOT 1 Roll A Person on the left, Horizon up high. Insert video footage (ZO) of a student reading the narration in front of a map. SHOT 2 Roll B SHOT 3 Roll B

Narration: The year is 1855. You are currently a successful merchant in New England. However, you have always dreamt of striking it rich and the land of opportunity is out West. To go or not to go, that is the question. Your task is to decide whether or not it will be beneficial to you and your family to pack up shop and head West.

Narration: You will accomplish this task by learning about merchants of the day and the likelihood of growing wealthy where you're at or if you'll have to move. You shouldn't take the gamble and head out without understanding what you'll need for the trip (supplies), how long and far you'll travel (all the way to California?), and how to prepare for the obstacles you'll encounter (weather, Native Americans, etc.). You will work in groups to present a case to stay or go. You will prepare a Skit to present to the class.

Narration: Together, you will be working to study different aspects of the westward migration: the trail, the reasons for traveling, the obstacles that were faced by the pioneers, and what they needed to take for survival on the trail. You should also study those who stayed behind: what businesses were successful, where are the best places to live, and other things.

Westward Expansion Web Quest

SHOT 4 Roll A Person on the left, horizon down low. Insert some footage (ES) of a students working with wireless devices in the classroom to access the web quest. SHOT 5 Roll B Person on the left, Horizon up high. Share footage (CU) of students assigning their roles. SHOT 6 Roll B

Narration: Go to My links and click on the Westward Expansion web quest. http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/edt615d/fall2005/ personal/tchristen/assignments/westward_exp ansion.htm Each group is assigned several roles: Mover and Shaker. This person will decide which supplies are needed and how to store those supplies, and how much it will cost. The Pessimist. This person prepares for the obstacles that will be faced on the trek. Think about the weather, what people or animals you might encounter, and other potential obstacles . The Trailblazer. This person maps out the journey. Decided how long you'll be traveling, how far you'll go (final destination), and how you'll get there (ox cart, hand cart, boat, etc.). The Shopkeeper. You're the one staying behind. Find out how businesses are doing in the East. Where is the best place to live, best job to have, etc.

Narration: Step 1: Decide which group member will play each role. (Students discussion recorded)

Narration: Step 2: Students will follow links to learn about their assigned roles. They also will take notes on their findings.

Westward Expansion Web Quest

SHOT 7 Roll B SHOT 8 Roll B Person on the right, horizon up high. Share some footage (FO)of students engaging in a group discussion. SHOT 9 Roll A Person on the left, horizon down low. Insert video (LS) of the skit.

Narration: Step 3: As a group discuss your findings and decide if you are staying put or going west. Do this by creating a list of Pros and Cons with each member of your group contributing to the list.

Narration: Narration: Step 4: Each group will create a skit Student skit. presentation to show the class why you have decided to stay or go.

SHOT 10 Roll A Person on the left, horizon down low. Insert video (CU) of a student answering the conclusion questions.

Narration: In conclusion what do you now know about Westward Expansion? Why would you have gone... or stayed? This activity should have increased your awareness about the expansion and what happened during that time period. Adapted from http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/edt615d/fall2005/ personal/tchristen/assignments/westward_exp ansion.htm