Lesson 3: Journey West
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
Students will analyze the impact of Westward Expansion on access to natural resources and the production and distribution of goods, and demonstrate their understanding through a journal-based assessment.
How did Westward Expansion increase access to natural resources and influence the economy of the United States?
In what ways did the development of transportation, trade, and new settlements shape the production and distribution of goods during Westward Expansion?
Westward Expansion
Natural Resources
Trade
Transportation
Settlement
8.Geo.11.a. Explain how Westward Expansion increased access to natural resources and the production and distribution of goods in a global market (e.g., agriculture, mining, canals, factories, rail, shipping).
In this lesson, students will explore the impact of Westward Expansion on the United States, focusing on how it increased access to natural resources and influenced the production and distribution of goods. Students will examine the roles of transportation, trade, and settlement in shaping economic growth and the expansion of the nation. Using key vocabulary such as Westward Expansion, natural resources, and transportation, students will engage with journal-based activities to answer guiding questions and demonstrate their understanding of how the movement westward shaped the nation’s economy and development.
To support all learners in this lesson, teachers can provide journal prompts and readings at varying levels of complexity so students can access the content at their own pace. Visual aids such as maps of Westward Expansion routes, diagrams of transportation networks, and charts showing the distribution of natural resources can help students understand geographic and economic concepts. Students can demonstrate their understanding in multiple ways, including completing the journal assessment, creating a visual timeline of expansion, or participating in small-group discussions about trade and settlement. Sentence starters and graphic organizers can help students organize their thoughts and respond to guiding questions, while peer collaboration and teacher support ensure students who need extra assistance stay on track. Advanced learners can be challenged to analyze the broader impact of Westward Expansion on the national economy and global trade, comparing different transportation methods and regions. These strategies provide multiple pathways for students to engage meaningfully with the lesson content and demonstrate their understanding.