The unit has two parts. In each, students dive into inquiry to answer the compelling questions:

1. Who are some of our closest tribal neighbors, and what have they been their lifeways since time immemorial?
2. Why do people explore, and how does this lead to expansion?

Part 1 is focused on the examination of the northwest and some of the original inhabitants. Through these questions students will learn about the culture of some of their closest tribal neighbors, the Spokane Indians. The final project for Part 1 is a cultural investigation display, in which students will show what they know about the culture of the Spokane Tribe.

In Part 2, Students will also learn about forces that brought change to the northwest: fur trade era and exploration. Students will ultimately learn about the Corps of Discovery and the Oregon Trail and know the impact each had on the west. Students will finish Part 2 with a timeline activity that will reflect choice and build upon student strengths according to their skill set.

Finally, a lesson on a Tribe of the Columbia Plateau is offered as an extension, but it is strongly recommended that students get to experience this lesson.

Note that the emphasis here is on the Spokane Tribe as one of our closest tribal neighbors. In no way is this an exhaustive study nor should the tribal cultures be generalized to other tribes of the region. We understand that each tribe in our region and North America was and continues to be unique in its culture, practices, lifeways, and traditions.

An open 8th grade U.S. History textbook covering the American Revolution through Reconstruction. Includes chapters on the underlying beliefs behind our system of government, westward expansion. the Civil War, and more. Each chapter is set up around an inquiry question. We consider these questions to be “Compelling Questions”. That means we want you to be thinking about this question throughout the entire chapter. You’ll notice that most of them are open ended. By investigating each question over the course of a chapter you’ll come to a conclusion that you should be able to support with evidence before moving on to your next inquiry.

In this activity, students will learn about population movement, migration trends, and the westward expansion of the early 1800s. First, students will create a line graph that depicts changes in aggregated population data from 1800 to 1850 for Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio. Using this graph, students will make data comparisons and draw conclusions. Next, students will compare the populations of several states between 1790 and 1850 and make conclusions that demonstrate their understanding of population trends in northern and southern states. This activity can spark discussion of sectionalism, slavery, and the different economic climate that took shape in the northern and southern states in the early 1800s.

This selection of items from Mystic Seaport's archival collections includes logbooks, diaries, letters, business papers, and published narratives of voyages and travels. The unique maritime perspective of these materials offers a rich look at the events, culture, beliefs, and personal experiences associated with the settlement of California, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest. A number of photographs, paintings, maps, and nautical charts are also included to illustrate the story of Americansäóť western seaborne travel. Various themes are touched upon, including whaling, life at sea, shipping, women at sea, and native populations.