The American West Unit Overview

  11-Day Overview – The American West
  
      Day
      Focus
      Learning Activities
      Skills / Assessment
    

  
      1
      How the U.S. Acquired the West
      Rotation stations: Louisiana Purchase, Texas Annexation, Mexican–American War, Oregon Country, Gadsden Purchase.
      Geographical Reasoning
    

      2
      Myths of the West
      Debunk “Wild West” myths using evidence and discussion.
      CER Quick Write
    

      3
      Groups of the West
      Stations on Cowboys, Miners, Mexican Americans, Native Nations, Railroad Workers.
      Perspective Analysis
    

      4
      Homesteading Simulation I
      Intro to the Homestead Act; begin “life of a homesteader” (Years 1–2).
      POV Writing
    

      5
      Homesteading Simulation II & Populism
      Finish simulation (Years 3–5); connect hardships to the Populist movement.
      CER Response
    

      6
      Native Americans I
      Dakota Sioux Uprising & Sand Creek Massacre; analyze perspectives.
      POV Comparison
    

      7
      Native Americans II
      Red Cloud’s War; railroad expansion; buffalo destruction document sort.
      CER on Policy Intent
    

      8
      Native Americans III
      Little Bighorn, Dawes Act, Boarding Schools; assimilation vs. resistance.
      Journal POV Entry
    

      9
      Native Americans IV & Modern Connections
      Ghost Dance, Wounded Knee, sovereignty today.
      CER Reflection
    

      10
      Summative Assessments
      Both: Traditional test and adjective-based inquiry (3 adjectives + evidence).
      Final Assessments
    

      11
      Debrief & Synthesis
      Short presentations or Socratic Seminar using evidence logs; make-ups as needed.
      Synthesis / Speaking & Listening
    