Manifest Destiny: A Mathematical Journey West
Created byColby Verrill
15 views0 downloads

Manifest Destiny: A Mathematical Journey West

Grade 6MathSocial Studies5 days
In this 6th-grade project, students explore Manifest Destiny through a mathematical lens, connecting math and social studies. They participate in a Gold Rush simulation and create mathematical models to predict population growth, manage resources on the Oregon Trail using ratios, and scale distances to map the Louisiana Purchase. This project enhances their understanding of westward expansion's impact on land, resources, and people.
Manifest DestinyWestward ExpansionPopulation GrowthResource ManagementOregon TrailLouisiana Purchase
Want to create your own PBL Recipe?Use our AI-powered tools to design engaging project-based learning experiences for your students.
📝

Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can math help us understand the impact of Manifest Destiny on the land and people during Westward Expansion?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How did the concept of manifest destiny influence westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century?
  • In what ways can mathematical concepts, such as ratio and proportion, be applied to understand the geographical challenges and opportunities encountered by settlers during westward expansion?
  • How can mathematical models be used to analyze population growth, resource allocation, and economic development in the context of manifest destiny and westward expansion?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on westward expansion.
  • Apply mathematical concepts to analyze geographical challenges and opportunities during westward expansion.
  • Use mathematical models to analyze population growth, resource allocation, and economic development in the context of Manifest Destiny.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Westward Expansion Simulation

Students participate in a mock westward expansion, using math skills to calculate land claims, resource management, and potential profits. This event connects to manifest destiny by illustrating the economic motivations behind westward expansion and the challenges faced by settlers.
📚

Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Population Growth Prediction: Manifest Destiny

Students will create a mathematical model to predict population growth in a specific territory during the Manifest Destiny era, analyzing its impact on resource allocation and economic development.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a specific territory or state that experienced significant population growth during the Manifest Destiny era (e.g., California during the Gold Rush).
2. Research historical population data for the chosen territory during the specified time period.
3. Identify the factors that contributed to population growth (e.g., gold discoveries, land availability, economic opportunities).
4. Develop a mathematical model (e.g., exponential growth model) to predict population growth based on the identified factors.
5. Use the model to project population growth over a specific time period.
6. Analyze the potential impact of the predicted population growth on resource allocation (e.g., water, land) and economic development (e.g., agriculture, industry).
7. Present the model, predictions, and analysis in a report or presentation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA mathematical model predicting population growth, along with an analysis of its impact on resources and economic development.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsUses mathematical models to analyze population growth, resource allocation, and economic development in the context of Manifest Destiny.
Activity 2

Oregon Trail Ratios: Resource Management

Students will use ratios and proportions to plan and manage resources for a hypothetical journey along the Oregon Trail, understanding the challenges faced by settlers.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the typical supplies needed for a family traveling the Oregon Trail (food, water, medicine, etc.).
2. Determine the weight and cost of each supply item.
3. Establish a budget and weight limit for the supplies.
4. Calculate the optimal ratio of supplies to ensure the family's survival, considering factors like trip duration and family size.
5. Create a detailed supply list, including the quantity, weight, cost, and rationale for each item.
6. Write a short justification explaining why the chosen supplies and ratios are essential for a successful journey.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed supply list with calculated ratios and a justification for resource allocation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplies mathematical concepts to analyze geographical challenges and opportunities during westward expansion.
Activity 3

Mapping the Territory: Scaling Distances

Students will calculate distances and scale them down to create a map of the Louisiana Purchase, helping them understand the vastness of the territory acquired during westward expansion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the actual size (in square miles) of the Louisiana Purchase.
2. Convert the area of the purchase into a measurable distance (e.g., miles from east to west and north to south).
3. Choose an appropriate scale for the map (e.g., 1 inch = 50 miles).
4. Use the chosen scale to calculate the dimensions of the Louisiana Purchase on the map.
5. Draw the outline of the Louisiana Purchase on graph paper, using the calculated dimensions and scale.
6. Label key geographical features (rivers, mountains, etc.) and cities that existed during that time.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA scaled map of the Louisiana Purchase with labeled geographical features and a clear indication of the scale used.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplies mathematical concepts to analyze geographical challenges and opportunities during westward expansion.
🏆

Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Population Growth Prediction Rubric

Category 1

Mathematical Model

Accuracy and appropriateness of the mathematical model used to predict population growth.
Criterion 1

Model Accuracy

How accurately the mathematical model reflects historical population trends and factors.

Exemplary
4 Points

The model accurately reflects historical population trends and incorporates relevant factors with sophisticated precision.

Proficient
3 Points

The model reasonably reflects historical population trends and incorporates most relevant factors effectively.

Developing
2 Points

The model shows some reflection of historical population trends but may contain inaccuracies or omit important factors.

Beginning
1 Points

The model demonstrates limited understanding of historical population trends and lacks key factors.

Criterion 2

Model Justification

Strength of the justification for the chosen mathematical model and its relevance to the historical context.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a compelling and insightful justification for the model, demonstrating a deep understanding of its relevance to the historical context and assumptions.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a clear and logical justification for the model, explaining its relevance to the historical context.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a basic justification for the model, but the relevance to the historical context may be limited.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides a weak or unclear justification for the model, with little connection to the historical context.

Category 2

Analysis of Impact

Depth and accuracy of the analysis of the impact of population growth on resource allocation and economic development.
Criterion 1

Resource Allocation

Analysis of how population growth affected resource allocation (e.g., water, land).

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the effects of population growth on various aspects of resource allocation, demonstrating sophisticated understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a thorough analysis of the effects of population growth on resource allocation.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a basic analysis of the effects of population growth on resource allocation, but some areas may be superficial.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides a limited or incomplete analysis of the effects of population growth on resource allocation.

Criterion 2

Economic Development

Analysis of how population growth affected economic development (e.g., agriculture, industry).

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the effects of population growth on economic development, showing strong critical thinking.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a thorough analysis of the effects of population growth on economic development.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a basic analysis of the effects of population growth on economic development.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides a limited or incomplete analysis of the effects of population growth on economic development.

Category 3

Presentation

Clarity and organization of the report or presentation.
Criterion 1

Clarity of Presentation

How well the model, predictions, and analysis are presented in a clear and understandable manner.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents the model, predictions, and analysis in a highly clear, concise, and engaging manner, with excellent visual aids or graphics.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents the model, predictions, and analysis clearly and understandably.

Developing
2 Points

Presents the model, predictions, and analysis in a somewhat unclear or disorganized manner.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents the model, predictions, and analysis in a confusing or incomplete manner.

Criterion 2

Organization

Logical structure and organization of the report or presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

The report or presentation is exceptionally well-organized with a logical flow of information that enhances understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

The report or presentation is well-organized and follows a logical structure.

Developing
2 Points

The report or presentation shows some organization, but the structure may be unclear or inconsistent.

Beginning
1 Points

The report or presentation is poorly organized and lacks a clear structure.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How did creating the population growth model change your understanding of the challenges and opportunities during the Manifest Destiny era?

Text
Required