What was one reason why pioneers wanted to move west, as mentioned in the video?

Pioneers moved west because they could get land for a low cost through the Homestead Act.

The video mentioned that pioneers faced difficult decisions about what to bring on their journey west. Imagine you are a pioneer family. List three essential items you would bring and explain why.

Food (to survive the long journey), tools (to build a home and clear land), and warm clothing (to protect against the elements).

160 acres of land if they lived on it for five years and improved it.

4th GradeSocial Studies30 min

aligned to Wida

I can describe character traits that helped people survive while settling the West.

4 min

Westward Expansion Explained For Kids

Literacy and Math Ideas

6 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
The westward expansion helps us understand how America came to be what it is today.
•
The Homestead Act promised 160 acres of land to anyone that paid a small fee, lived on the land for 5 years, and made improvements.
•
Pioneers believed in Manifest Destiny, which led to many Native Americans being forced out of their homes.

10 min

3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

5 min

“What was one character trait that helped pioneers survive while settling the West, and how did that trait help them overcome challenges?”

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