What's the best way to learn first hand the challenges facing those who traveled West in the 1800's? One way is to construct a model of a covered wagon. Each student received a list of typical items pioneers may have included in their wagon for the journey. The maximum weight limit for an average-sized wagon was 2500 lbs. With a partner they decided what items wereoo most important to include in their wagon. Besides the basic necessities, we considered the fact that each pioneer child would have probably been able to take only one or two favorite items such as a precious book, carved toy or handmade doll. Once they decided on the items needed, each team went to work. We used scrapes of fabric, wire, construction paper, twine and plenty of creativity!!! Notice the details both inside and outside of the wagons. They wanted to be prepared for ANYTHING on the trail! There are tools, sacks of flour, rope, extra wagon wheels, favorite pieces of china packed in a barrel of flour, pets, chickens, cows, Bibles, firewood, quilts, a chair or table, seeds for planting a garden, and on and on it goes. Of course the skills of cooperation were high on the list too.
Watching all this transpire over five days is just another reason why I LOVE teaching. Great job, class!!!!
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