THE WESTWARD MOVEMENT

Emphasizing decision-making and problem-solving skills, the activities are designed to engage students in the issues involved in the settlement of the West. Nine puzzles describe the culture and technology of the frontier. Among the activities are deciding on issues such as the Vigilance Committee and the Owens Valley water fight, deciphering the contents of a typical frontier menu, evaluating the motives and actions of the men who financed the first transcontinental railroad, and negotiating for Indian land. Materials vary in difficulty to permit maximum classroom flexibility.