That One Lesson

 We are currently working through Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion in class. While the use of PowerPoints and discussion was the way we rolled I did add a few twists and turns. I used large post it notes on the walls with questions. 

If you were on the Oregon Trail what are 3 items you would take with you?

What football team is named for the people who hunted for gold?

Where is California on the map? (you might not be surprised at how many got that one wrong)

While the students engaged on the Alamo, Mexican-American War as well as the gold rush and Mexican Cession, the area we spent the most time on was the map. Many of them are not sure which coast the Atlantic Ocean is on and thus do not know where the Pacific Ocean is. It would seem that Oregon was an original 13 colony. Maps are the greatest challenge in history. Due to technology (GPS and other Nav systems or just their parents driving them) they are map poor. While I understand that maps aren't "needed" for a road trip the fact remains that we must add that skill back into the learning. It is hard to teach them about the independence of Texas when they think it is near the Great Lakes.

We keep digging, but I will not be taking a trip with any of them anytime soon!

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