I decided to do a map mashup of some of the stops along the Oregon Trail. Students will be able to see the route that many took on their way west during the mid-1800s.
This lesson could probably be used with fourth or fifth grade students who are beginning to learn about history and the Oregon Trail.
I think this mashup would be really helpful for students to visualize the overall journey along the Oregon Trail. It gives them a chance to back up from the details and get an image in their minds of the bigger picture, and how far the travel west really was. I think for this unit, going through the map would be a great homework assignment. It could even be used as an introductory assignment to get them thinking about the movement westward. I also added questions into the information on the map to start to get them critically thinking about what it must have been like for people in those days. Having students go through the maps at home individually and then creating a larger discussion in class the following day would make for a great introduction to this unit of history.
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2 comments:
The Oregon Trail was one of the first topics I thought of doing when I read up on this mapmashing assignment (it might've had something to do with the fact that I loved playing the game as a kid!) The game will give you an overview map when you play - which helps in learning locations - but your project goes a step further because students are able to click on the markers and learn what Independence or Chimney Rock is and what they look like. Good idea!
I love Oregon Trail! I love how you can bring the actual game into the lesson. Very fun.
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