Westward Expansion Manifest Destiny Activity US History CSI Mystery Bundle

Explore the California Gold Rush, Oregon Trail, and Lewis and Clark Expedition with this this bundle of investigation activities! Make learning about American westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny fun and engaging. Your students will explore investigation case file activities with visuals and primary sources that encourage historical and creative thinking. Perfect for lessons on westward expansion, American history, and more, this resource bundle makes history come to life!

This bundle includes investigation activities featuring:

• The California Gold Rush: Students will learn about the impacts of the California Gold Rush and encounter accounts of the harsh realities that prospectors encountered.
• The Oregon Trail: While learning about the Oregon Trail and the concept of Manifest Destiny, students will investigate the Oregon Trail's long-lasting impacts on American history.
• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Student detectives will set their sights to one of the greatest stories of exploration in history: the Lewis and Clark Expedition! Students will learn about Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase, the contributions of Sacajawea, and the scientific and political impacts of the expedition.

During each activity student detectives will view primary sources and supporting evidence and take detective notes on what they learn. They will then answer the reading comprehension response questions, complete a timeline activity, and draw their own hypothesis based on the background information and theories in the case file! Bonus letter writing extension activities are included as well for each resource.

These investigation activities can be used as printable packet activities, or as engaging stations classroom activities with groups! Teacher and student notes are provided, along with answer keys for the background reading comprehension activities.

This activity is provided in both ready-to-print color and black and white versions.

This bundle makes learning about westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny highly engaging. These mystery of history activities are great supplements, introductions, or reinforcements for any U.S. history lesson! These resources also explore the complex impacts of westward expansion on Native American history and culture, and the contributions of Sacagawea, and can be used for lessons on Native American heritage.

Looking for more mystery of history CSI activities? Check out the Maya, Aztec, Inca CSI Bundle, Ancient China and Silk Road CSI Bundle, Pompeii CSI Activity, and Lost Colony of Roanoke CSI Activity!

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