Westward Expansion Reflection

At George Fisher Middle School, students and teachers work together to collaborate and create a positive learning environment. The 6cs of the school that are emphasized areas of focus are critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, citizenship, and compassion. Students in this class include students who enjoy participating and having an active role in the learning. The class also features many theatre kids, I can take into consideration these interests. Prior knowledge- Students are familiar with Thomas Jefferson buying the Louisiana Purchase and that it doubled the size of the United States. Students have watched a film on the Lewis and Clark expedition and have began research on Westward expansion during station work.

Gaps in …show more content…
Students will be able to describe the term Manifest Destiny.
This lesson is part of a larger unit in which students will be conducting research to determine if Westward expansion was justified by examining the advantages and consequences that Westward expansion brought. In order for students to complete this project and further their research, students must be familiar with Manifest Destiny and the influence it had over westward expansion.

This lesson incorporates the theory of cooperative learning because students will be working in a group to analyze the painting and each student will have a role that contributes to the group. Students will also be collaborating and discussion to share analysis and build on each others knowledge. Students will be using methods of inquiry to question and analyze the painting and will try to determine what they believe Manifest Destiny is before it is defined by the teacher.

This lesson makes an important contribution to students understanding of the subject in allowing students an active role in determining and trying to analyze what Manifest Destiny