Untold Stories: Indigenous Perspectives on Westward Expansion
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Untold Stories: Indigenous Perspectives on Westward Expansion

Grade 8Social Studies2 days
This project tasks 8th-grade students with curating a digital museum exhibit that explores the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples during westward expansion. Students analyze primary sources, research government policies, and reflect on the impact of these policies on Indigenous communities. The final product is a digital exhibit that weaves together historical narratives, primary source analysis, and reflections on the lasting legacy of westward expansion.
Westward ExpansionIndigenous PerspectivesGovernment PoliciesPrimary SourcesDigital MuseumCultural ImpactHistorical Analysis
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as curators, develop a digital museum exhibit that accurately portrays the diverse experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples during westward expansion, considering the impact of government policies and actions on their lives and cultures?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How did westward expansion affect the lives and cultures of indigenous peoples?
  • What were the different perspectives and experiences of indigenous communities during this period?
  • What role did government policies and actions play in shaping the relationship between indigenous peoples and settlers?
  • How can we ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are represented when telling the story of westward expansion?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to analyze the impact of westward expansion on Indigenous populations, considering various perspectives and experiences.

Florida State Standards

SS8.A.4.1
Primary
Analyze the social, political, cultural, and economic impacts of westward expansion on Native Americans in the United States.Reason: This standard directly addresses the impact of westward expansion on Native Americans, covering social, political, cultural, and economic aspects, which aligns with the project's focus on diverse experiences and perspectives.
SS8.A.4.2
Supporting
Explain the causes and effects of westward expansion from 1844 to 1877.Reason: Understanding the broader context of westward expansion's causes and effects supports the project's focus on the specific impacts on Indigenous populations.
SS8.A.4.3
Supporting
Examine the rationale behind federal policies toward Native Americans during westward expansion, including treaties, reservations, and assimilation efforts.Reason: This standard provides further insight into government policies and actions, which is crucial for addressing the project's driving question and essential questions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

A Walk in Their Shoes

A powerful, immersive experience transports students back in time using VR technology. They step into the shoes of an Indigenous youth whose life is about to be irrevocably changed by the arrival of settlers. This encounter fuels their exploration of the human impact of westward expansion.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

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

Whispers from the Past: Uncovering Primary Sources

Students will explore primary source documents, such as treaties and personal accounts, to understand the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples during westward expansion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select three primary source documents related to westward expansion and Indigenous experiences.
2. Annotate each document, highlighting key information and perspectives.
3. Write a reflection for each document, summarizing its main points and connecting it to the overall impact of westward expansion.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAnnotated collection of primary source excerpts with reflections on their significance.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS8.A.4.1, SS8.A.4.2
Activity 2

The Long Shadow of Policy: Investigating Government Actions

Students will research and analyze specific government policies and actions, such as the Indian Removal Act and the establishment of reservations, and their impact on Indigenous communities.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose two government policies or actions related to westward expansion and Indigenous peoples.
2. Research the historical context, intent, and implementation of each policy.
3. Analyze the short-term and long-term consequences of these policies on Indigenous communities.
4. Write a report summarizing your findings and presenting your analysis.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA policy analysis report detailing the intent, implementation, and consequences of chosen policies.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS8.A.4.1, SS8.A.4.3
Activity 3

A Digital Tapestry: Weaving Indigenous Narratives into History

Students will synthesize their learning by creating a digital museum exhibit that showcases the diverse experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples during westward expansion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Organize the primary source excerpts, policy analysis reports, and reflections gathered in previous activities.
2. Create a digital platform for the museum exhibit, using tools like Google Sites or Canva.
3. Curate the exhibit by arranging the content in a logical and engaging manner.
4. Write introductory text and captions to provide context and guide the viewer through the exhibit.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA curated digital museum exhibit featuring primary sources, policy analysis, and student reflections.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS8.A.4.1, SS8.A.4.2, SS8.A.4.3
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Digital Museum Exhibit Rubric: Indigenous Narratives

Category 1

Understanding of Historical Context

Evaluates the depth of understanding and analysis of historical events, particularly the westward expansion and its impact on Indigenous populations.
Criterion 1

Analysis of Primary Sources

Measures the student's ability to interpret and analyze primary source documents in relation to Indigenous experiences during westward expansion.

Exemplary
4 Points

Interprets primary sources with sophistication, demonstrating deep understanding of the context and perspectives presented; connects insights to broader historical themes.

Proficient
3 Points

Interprets primary sources effectively, demonstrating a solid understanding of the context and perspectives; makes appropriate connections to historical themes.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic recognition of the context and perspectives in primary sources; connections to broader themes are limited or unclear.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to interpret primary sources; lacks clear understanding of context and perspectives.

Criterion 2

Understanding of Government Policies

Assesses the student's ability to analyze government policies from the era and their impact on Indigenous communities.

Exemplary
4 Points

Analyzes government policies with exceptional insight, articulating nuanced understanding of their historical intent and impact on Indigenous populations.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a thorough analysis of government policies, clearly explaining their intent and effects on Indigenous communities.

Developing
2 Points

Presents a basic analysis of government policies, with limited understanding of their impact on Indigenous communities.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to analyze government policies, showing minimal understanding of their historical function or impact.

Category 2

Exhibit Design and Presentation

Evaluates the quality of the digital museum exhibit in terms of design, presentation, and content organization.
Criterion 1

Design and Accessibility

Measures the effectiveness of the exhibit's design in engaging viewers and ensuring accessibility.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibit design is highly engaging and user-friendly, with intuitive navigation and accessibility features that enhance the viewing experience.

Proficient
3 Points

Exhibit design is effective and engaging, offering clear navigation and adequate accessibility for most viewers.

Developing
2 Points

Exhibit design shows basic engagement features; navigation or accessibility may be inconsistent.

Beginning
1 Points

Exhibit design is unclear or difficult to navigate, limiting viewer engagement and accessibility.

Criterion 2

Content Organization and Clarity

Assesses how well the student organizes content within the exhibit to convey clear and coherent historical narratives.

Exemplary
4 Points

Content is exceptionally well-organized, with clear, logical flow that enhances understanding and engagement with historical narratives.

Proficient
3 Points

Content is well-organized, with logical flow that effectively communicates historical narratives.

Developing
2 Points

Content organization is basic, with some incoherent areas that disrupt narrative flow.

Beginning
1 Points

Content organization is poor, resulting in confusing or disjointed narratives.

Reflection Prompts

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

Reflect on the process of curating your digital museum exhibit. What were some of the challenges you faced in portraying the diverse experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples during westward expansion?

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Question 2

How did your understanding of westward expansion evolve throughout this project? What were some of the most significant insights you gained about the impact of westward expansion on indigenous populations?

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Question 3

On a scale of 1 to 5, how effectively did your digital museum exhibit address the driving question: "How can we, as curators, develop a digital museum exhibit that accurately portrays the diverse experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples during westward expansion, considering the impact of government policies and actions on their lives and cultures?"

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Question 4

What specific actions or policies implemented during westward expansion had the most profound impact on Indigenous communities, and how were their cultures and ways of life affected? Support your response with specific examples from your research within the digital museum exhibit.

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Question 5

If you could share one key message or takeaway from your digital museum exhibit with a wider audience, what would it be and why?

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