Learners
Standards
Process
Resources
Introduction
Materials
This webquest is designed as a social studies unit for students in Grade 4. Through this webquest, students will learn about geography, hardships, and the life of a pioneer on the Oregon Trail through individual research projects. Students will research specific landmarks on the Oregon Trail, taking notes about the importance of these landmarks for individuals on the trail, plant or animal life, as well as people on the trail. Students will present this information in a fictional narrative journal that will allow them to discuss their own “experience” on the Oregon Trail. Students will use factual information, but are encouraged to create an interesting narrative from the perspective of an adult or child travelling on the Oregon Trail in 1841.
By conducting research about the landmarks and people of the Oregon Trail, students will have a better understanding of the events and hardships that were experienced by the pioneers. Students will also have a better understanding of the importance of these landmarks for the pioneers, such as restocking food and supplies or simply a place to rest. Throughout this webquest, students will strengthen their researching and narrative writing skills. Students will further their understanding and skills in areas such as historical thinking, social science analysis, geography and literacy.
Oregon Social Studies Standards
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Historical Thinking:
4.5. Distinguish between fact and fiction in historical accounts by comparing documentary sources on historical figures and events with fictional characters and events in stories.
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4.7. Use primary and secondary sources to create or describe a narrative about events in Oregon history
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Social Science Analysis:
4.19. Compare eyewitness and secondhand accounts of an event
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Oregon Literacy Common Core State Standards
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Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
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iPads or computers to use for research
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Books about the Oregon Trail
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Writing Journals
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Writing utensils
The following activity should take about 2-3 weeks to complete. Students should be given plenty of time allowing enough time for conducting research on each landmark. Students will then draft their journal entries. Students should also revise and edit their entries before turning in their final product.