The Homestead Act traveling trunk for grades 9-12 was designed by Homstead National Historical Park staff. This trunk uses student-centered activities to increase students' knowledge of the Homestead Act of 1862 and westward expansion. The trunk contains resources for educators to use in a classroom environment. It integrates written and oral activities, document analysis, and detective skills to enhance your students' learning.
The trunk includes curriculum materials, books, documents, and a DVD that can be integrated into history, social studies, reading, and language arts curriculum. Additionally, the curriculum materials include student station sheets, so students can rotate stations without the teacher having to repeat instructions.
This trunk requires a lot of research, and internet access is essential.
Galusha, a Buddy Bison, travels with the Homestead Act 9-12 traveling trunk. He records all of his adventures. Be sure if you request this trunk that you (or students) email photos and stories of his adventures with your class. Your class can then track his travels all year long.
