The Wild West
In this Unit Study you will learn about the American Wild West. You will learn about the different groups of people who settled the land or passed over it on the way to something different. You will read the stories of every day settlers and see the kind of strength it took to live on the Great Plains.
This unit is written to cover 20 school days. You will need the required workbook and books below. In addition, you will also need to pick a historical fiction and biography to read while you study about the the Wild West. We have a list to choose from, but you can always read a family favorite.
This curriculum is written with students 4th-8th grade in mind. You can always scale down to fit your needs, but we don't recommend trying to use it for high school age students.
Required Materials
Free!
Workbook
This workbook is written to the student. It will guide them through the daily reading and activities with minimal parent involvement.
Answer Key
The answer key is not necessary to complete the unit. It is identical to the Student Workbook, but with answers in red.
This complete encyclopedia of American history showcases the incredible journey the United States of America has made to become the major 21st-century power it is today.
Every American History unit uses this encyclopedia.
See Jim Bowie's famous knife, a Pony Express rider's saddle bag, a Pawnee warrior's shield, a goldminer's scale, and a Wells, Fargo stagecoach. Learn how sod houses were built, who was called "Little Sure Shot", how Geronimo was finally captured, who the Buffalo soldiers were, what was the "Golden Spike", and what "Seeing the elephant" means. Discover the dangers of a trail drive, how Buffalo Bill got his name, how Custer was defeated, how to pan for gold, who the mountain men were, and much, much more.
The west was at its wildest from 1865 to 1895, when territories west of the Mississippi River remained untamed and lawless. Famous for cowboys, American Indians, lawmen, gunslingers, pioneers, and prospectors, this period in US history captures the imagination of all kids and now is brought vividly to life.
This graphic novel celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West.
Students will be creating a biography poster. These premade templates are an excellent tool.
Every American History Unit will have a biography poster project.
Other supplies
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Historical Fiction from the list below
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Two Non-Fiction books from the list below
Historical Fiction Options
You will read one historical fiction book for this unit. There are several great historical fiction books to choose from. Listed below are a few at different reading levels.
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Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
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Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
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On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
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Hardscrabble by Sandra Dallas
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How I became a Ghost by Tim Tingle
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My Heart is On the Ground Book in the Dear America Series
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Sing Down the Moon by Scott O’Dell
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Little Britches by Ralph Moody
Non-Fiction Options
The suggested books are all very short, so you will read two. If there is a different biography your family loves, feel free to substitute it and adjust the reading schedule.
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These are all shorter and part of the “Cause and Effect” series
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Apache Resistance by Pamela Dell
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Last Stand by Nadia Higgins
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Defending the Land by Nadia Higgins
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Last Battle by Pamela Dell
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Seeking Freedom by Heather E. Schwartz