OREGON TRAIL

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ASSURE LESSON PLAN

Analyze learners

State Objectives

Select instructional methods, material and media

Utilize media and materials

Require learner participation

Evaluate and revise

Lesson Plan URL

SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS

LA.5.4.2 The student develops and demonstrates technical

writing that provides information related to real-world

tasks.

LA.5.4.2.1 The student will write in a variety of

informational/expository forms (e.g., summaries,

procedures, instructions, experiments, rubrics, how-to

manuals, assembly instructions)

LA.5.4.2.5 The student will write directions to unfamiliar

locations using cardinal and ordinal directions, landmarks,

and distances, and create an accompanying map.

SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS

SS.5.A.6.2 Identify roles and contributions of

significant people during the period of

westward expansion.

SS.5.A.6.9 Describe the hardships of settlers along

the overland trails to the west.

ANALYZE YOUR LEARNERS

5th grade students (22), ages 9-11

Male and female

Various socioeconomic/ethnic backgrounds

Group dynamics (which students work best with

each other)

ANALYZE YOUR LEARNERS

Students with special needs (ADHD, ADD, ESL)

Different learning styles (linguistic, kinesthetic,

visual)

Prior knowledge: basic writing skills, basic math

skills, some information about westward

expansion, how to use a camera, working

knowledge of Wikispaces and Microsoft Word

STATE YOUR OBJECTIVES

Using a personal journal created on a wiki,

students will be able to accurately describe 3

important events during the Oregon Trail.

The learner will be able to identify key people and

landmarks of the Oregon Trail without using

their notes with 90% accuracy.

STATE YOUR OBJECTIVES

Using the technology provided, students will be

able to explain reasons ‘for’ and ‘against’

traveling the Oregon Trail with 90% accuracy.

Using construction paper, rulers and other art

supplies, students will create a relevant map

with 85% accuracy.

SELECT METHODS, MATERIALS AND MEDIA

Methods:

Class discussion about Oregon Trail and

westward expansion

Randomly assign students to four (4) groups of

four (4) and one (1) group of five (5)

Arrange desks in four (4) groups of four (4) and

one (1) group of five (5)

SELECT METHODS, MATERIALS AND MEDIA

Materials:

“How many steps?” worksheet (22)

Wiki rubric (22)

Props for family photo and video

hats

bandanas

SELECT METHODS, MATERIALS AND MEDIAMaterials:

Art supplies

Construction paper

Markers

Pencils

Colored pencils

Modeling clay

Toothpicks

Rulers

SELECT METHODS, MATERIALS AND MEDIA

Media:

5 computers with internet access

Digital camera with video recording capabilities

Projector

UTILIZE MATERIALS AND MEDIA

Prepare materials

Ensure that:

PowerPoint works correctly

Computer works correctly

Camera has batteries and works correctly

Arrange desks in to four (4) groups of four (4) and one

(1) group of five (5)

Prepare PowerPoint about landmarks to show

students

UTILIZE MATERIALS AND MEDIA

Materials

Students will complete “How many steps”

worksheet.

Students will make a name plate using the art

supplies.

Students will use props to take a “family photo”.

Students will use the clay and toothpicks to

make an inscription rock.

REQUIRE LEARNER PARTICIPATION

Day 1:

Instructor will lead a discussion about westward

expansion and Oregon Trail (using Oregon Trail

PowerPoint).

Allow students to pick a family name (last name)

for their group and brainstorm ‘family story’.

Students will create name plaques for their desk

that state their name and a description.

EXAMPLE NAME PLAQUE

REQUIRE LEARNER PARTICIPATION

Day 1: (continued)

Students will create a wiki (see wiki

requirements) for their family following the

rubric.

Assign each group a position ‘for’ or ‘against’

traveling the Oregon Trail and allow time to

brainstorm ideas (15 minutes).

Students will take a “family photo” using props.

REQUIRE LEARNER PARTICIPATION

Day 2:

Students will create a rough script for video (30

minutes) using Microsoft Word.

Students will create a 30 second video with

group using the camera for assigned position

about traveling the Oregon Trail.

Groups will present videos to the class through

the projector.

REQUIRE LEARNER PARTICIPATION

Day 2: (continued)

Students will use modeling clay to create an

‘inscription rock’ and carve inscriptions in their

rock.

Students will create a map showing the path

from the classroom to the playground.

EVALUATE AND REVISE

• Students were able to brainstorm and work in

groups effectively and without conflict.

• Students were able to create a map of the path

from the classroom to the playground with 85%

accuracy.

• Students were able to name key people and

landmarks with 90% accuracy.

EVALUATE AND REVISE

• Students who did not meet the accuracy goals as

outlined will receive supplementary assignments.

• Supplementary assignments could include

reviewing the PowerPoint and completing a

worksheet or one on one tutoring.

• Ask post-lesson questions at the beginning of

each day to make sure that the previous days

lesson was understood by the class.

WIKI REQUIREMENTS

• Introduction page

• Where you live now (somewhere in the East)

• Where you’re planning on traveling

(somewhere in the West)

• Reasons for traveling

• Short description of each family member

• Family photo (to be added last)

WIKI REQUIREMENTS

• Page for each family member to write a journal

• Page for video

• Page with 5 facts that back up your position

• Wiki is PRIVATE (students will need to send me

an invitation)