Lesson by Tim Bailey
Essay by Mary Stuckey, Pennsylvania State University
Grade Level: 3–5
Number of Class Periods: 4
Primary Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860
About This Lesson Plan Unit
Over the course of four lessons, students will examine the westward expansion of the United States and the dangers of traveling the American West in the mid-to late nineteenth century as described in diary entries written by Patrick Breen, a member of the Donner Party. Students will use textual and visual evidence to draw conclusions and present arguments.
Lesson Plan Author: Tim Bailey
Historical Background Essay by: Mary Stuckey, Penn State University
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2: Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1D: Review the key ideas expressed and draw conclusions in light of information and knowledge gained from discussions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
What encouraged Americans to move westward?
What obstacles did the Donner Party encounter?
What did members of the Donner Party do to survive?
Documents
Documents
Photograph of ‘Starvation Camp.’ Stumps of Trees cut by the Donner Party in Summit Valley, Placer
Co., in 1846” from Central Pacific Railroad, by Thomas Houseworth & Co., San Francisco, 1868
The Diary of Patrick Breen, excerpts from “The Diary of Patrick Breen, One of the Donner Party,” November 1846–March 1847