Students in 5th grade are wrapping up a unit on Westward Expansion. We have learned about the pioneers, including Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Native Americans' experiences, the Chinese immigrants working on the Transcontinental Railroad and more.
Students practiced writing Inquiry Questions, which are open-ended questions intended to promote conversation and initiate research.
A few examples from students are:
"Why did immigrants from China and Ireland come to the US?"
"How did the Gold Rush begin?"
"Why did so many buffalo die during this time?"
After we wrote inquiry questions, we got to have some fun and play the (vintage) computer game Oregon Trail, and practice our problem-solving skills. Should we ford the river, or take a ferry across? What if our food supplies are running low? What if the wagon needs a spare part and we don't have any?
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