America Moves West: 1800s Adventures

Grade 3 History Exploring Westward Expansion The Journey of a Growing Nation

Our Learning Goals

Learn about early explorers who mapped the West Understand why families moved west Discover the Oregon Trail adventure Explore the California Gold Rush See how westward movement changed the land

Success Criteria - What We'll Know

I can name two early explorers of the West I can explain three reasons people moved west I can describe what life was like on the Oregon Trail I can tell the story of the Gold Rush I can identify how moving west changed the environment

Key Vocabulary Words

Explorer - someone who travels to discover new places Pioneer - first people to settle in a new area Trail - a path through wild country Migration - moving from one place to another Gold Rush - when many people hurry to find gold

Think About It

What do you think America looked like before cities and roads? Why might families want to leave their homes and travel far away?

America in 1800: A Growing Nation

Early Explorers Lead the Way

Brave men and women explored unknown lands They made maps for others to follow They learned about Native American tribes They discovered rivers, mountains, and valleys Their stories inspired others to move west

Lewis and Clark's Great Adventure

President Jefferson sent them to explore the West They traveled for over two years Sacagawea, a Native American woman, helped guide them They saw new animals, plants, and rivers They made detailed maps and journals

Explorer's Journal Activity

Pretend you're an explorer! Draw what you might see in the wilderness Write three things you would pack for a long journey Share your discoveries with a partner

Check for Understanding

Who were Lewis and Clark? Who helped them on their journey? What did explorers do to help other people?

Why Did People Want to Move West?

More land for farming and homes Stories of gold and riches Adventure and new opportunities Escape from crowded cities Religious freedom

Life in the East vs. Life in the West

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