Covered Wagon

Covered Wagon

Covered wagons were about 10 feet long and 4 feet wide. They were covered by canvas laid over the top of a wooden hoop frame. A team of oxen usually pulled the wagon, which held most of a family's food and supplies for the 4- or 5-month journey. They could hold up to 2,500 pounds of supplies. Some families traveled with more than one wagon. Covered wagons were often called prairie schooners because the white canvas tops looked like sails...
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A Monumental History

A Monumental History

From Reconstruction

Monuments designed to honor places, events, or people stand in public places across the United States. Some, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Statue of Liberty, are classic icons. Others, such as the 2,000-pound African Killer Bee located in Hidalgo, Texas, are less than traditional. Monuments are often controversial. What is honorable to one person may be offensive to another. Also, the meanings of monuments change as the culture around them evolves. What do...

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Does Racial Inequality Exist in Your School?

Does Racial Inequality Exist in Your School?

From Changing Laws

It can sometimes be hard to recognize racial inequality when it doesn’t directly affect you. Take a look at the statistics relating to your own school and see if anything surprised you.

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Listen!

Listen!

From Singing for Equality

Music of the Civil Rights Era arose from several different styles of music, most notably gospel, folk, blues, and jazz. What did these different styles offer? How did they combine to form music that was completely new?

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Planning a Boycott

Planning a Boycott

From Boycotts, Strikes, and Marches

Segregated buses and trains were only one of the ways whites discriminated against African Americans in the Jim Crow South. A boycott is the act of refusing to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest. Why didn’t the African American community use boycotts more often in their fight against segregation?

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Reviews

Kliatt
“This is not just another activity book. Recommended for all younger readers.”

Learning Magazine, Teachers' Choice Edition
“What was it like to be an American pioneer during the 1800's? More than 25 projects and activities in this book give students and firsthand look.”

Cobblestone Magazine
“Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself takes readers on a journey through the West in the footsteps of the first pioneers. Easy-to follow activities bring the experience to life. Grade 4 and up.”

The Buffalo News
“Packs in interesting historical information and colorful facts about daily life in pioneer days along with interesting tidbits.”

Detailed Book Description

What was it like to be an American pioneer during the 1800s? Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself introduces readers ages 9 and up to the settling of the great American frontier with over 25 hands-on building projects and activities. Young learners build replica sod houses, log cabins, and covered wagons and create their own printing presses and maps. Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself provides detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project. Historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and fascinating trivia support the fun projects and teach readers about the American pioneers' relentless push westward. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life on the trail and on the frontier. Great Pioneer Projects You Can Build Yourself brings the American Pioneer experience to life.

Available In:
Paperback, $15.95
9780978503765
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Maps | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 2-color interior | 128 pages
Subject: Social Studies
Content Focus: U.S. History

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

How It All Began

Chapter 1
Mapping the Way

Chapter 2
The Decision to Go West

Chapter 3
Wagon Trains

Chapter 4
Hardships on the Trail

Chapter 5
Popular Routes

Chapter 6
The Transcontinental Railroad

Chapter 7
Building Homes

Chapter 8
Frontier Farming and Food

Chapter 9
At Home and at School

Chapter 10
Fun and Holidays

Chapter 11
Cowboys and Indians

Chapter 12
Documenting the West

Glossary
Resources
Index