Use the next three weeks, computer lab, library, and independent time to develop a background about the people, the ideas, and events that led to the growth of the United States.  You and your partner are to work at your own pace using the time allowance as a guide.  You may move ahead, but can not fall behind, and you must complete and safely keep all your work in your folder.  Lost assignments will counted as a zero and need to be redone.  Messy or sloppy work will make you lose half the points on your assignment and will have to be redone.  Visit each of these web sites in order.  As you finish each assignment check off the Travel Log in the classroom.

Territorial Expansion of the United States  1783 - 1898
http://www.uoregon.edu/~atlas/america/maps.html

Step #1 -  Purpose: To get a picture in your mind of how the United States grew in size from 1783 - 1898.
Look at each of the maps on this site with a friend.  Read the title of each map carefully, it indicates an event in history, and then observe the changes in American Territories.   Using different colored pencils create a colored map on the blank U.S. map in your packet that demonstrates what you have learned.  Remember to create a key to go with your map.

Time allowance: 2, 40 minute sessions    10 points

America's Story:  Go to Jump Back In Time
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi

Step #2 - Purpose:  To get a simple overview of American History from 1492 - 1889

Part A:
Read about each of the ERAs in American history in order from Colonial America through the Glided Age 1878 - 1889 with 1 partner.  Each person takes turns reading a paragraph or 5 - 7 sentences.  Look at the timeline at the top of each page, notice how the different ERAS overlap.  Enlarge the picture and spend some time talking about what you see.  Write down 1 critical event or idea of that ERA that you think is the most important thing that happened during that time.

Time Allowance:  4,  40 minute sessions          35 points

See Cher if you decide to do this activity.
Classroom Cash - Learning Goal:  (Complete at home or in the library during recess on your own.)
At the bottom of each ERA page are "More Stories" about that ERA.  Read 2 from each ERA that are interesting to you.  Fill out Log Sheet 2B included in your packet.

Time Allowance:  1,  7 day week