Pioneer Days in 3rd Grade

Students in Mr. Organ’s class are learning about Pioneer days this week. Students are learning about how communities develop over time. In the mid 1840’s, Americans headed westward bound via the Oregon Trail in search of land, this was known as “Manifest Destiny”. Many family members and community members died along the way. The Oregon Trail was brutal at times, and took as long as 6 months. Students discussed in class, why citizens wanted to leave their home and start a new community. Students also learned about the positive and negative factors of a community that grows exponentially and declines. Students were interested in the Pioneer days and we decided to create our own wagons with a selection of supplies that would be needed on the road. Then students got to make their own covered wagons, using cardboard and other materials.