Objective:

Students will be able to create a map that helps visualize the expansion of America and the
expeditions Westward.

Standards addressed:
● SS20-GR.8-S.1-GLE.2: ​The historical eras, individuals, groups, ideas and themes from
the origins of the American Revolution through Reconstruction.
● SS20-GR.8-S.2-GLE.1: Use geographic tools to research and analyze patterns in human
and physical systems in the United States.
○ Outcome D: ​Explain the establishment of human settlements in relationship to
physical attributes and important regional connections.

Materials Needed:
● Copy of map for each student
● Colored pencils (for coloring territories) [each student will need 6 colors (not blue) for the
territories,and a blue colored pencil for the rivers]
● Colored pens or markers (for drawing trails)

Procedure (approx. times):

1. Walk through creating a key with students.
a. They will need to set up two facing pages in their notebooks. One page will have
the key, the map will be glued onto the other.
b. The instructions for the key are on the first slide of the powerpoint.
2. Distribute maps to students, allow them time to gather 7 colored pencils (one blue) and 4
pens/markers (not blue).
3. Project the territory map onto the board (slide 2). Demonstrate drawing territory lines
a. Show the students how existing state boundaries and rivers can be utilized to
create the boundaries
b. Remind students to color ​lightly​ with colored pencils. They will need to draw trails
over their coloring.
c. Ensure they are filling in their keys as they color
4. Give students time to complete coloring in the territories
a. Students who finish quickly can move on to the next task of coloring the rivers
5. Instruct students to color in rivers/bodies of water blue (list on slide 3)
6. Have students glue the maps into their notebooks
a. Remind students that they also need to have a completed key
7. If Time: Utilizing the whiteboard on the desks, or sticky notes, have the students come
us with test questions
a. Instruct them to think of higher level questions based on the map (questions that
are more advanced than just labeling)
Evaluation:
● Students will demonstrate their knowledge on an upcoming quiz.
● Students will be using this map throughout the unit to visualize concepts, and will be
given formative assignments on those concepts.

Differentiation:
● Modification: There is a map with the trails and territory lines pre-drawn. This will be
given to students who would benefit from focusing on the recognition of territories and
coloring over the trails, rather than directing their attention towards the stressors of
drawing them in.
● Extension: There is no specific extension for this lesson. The objective is to complete a
map, which will later be utilized in activities and tests that include extensions.

Task:
● Create a visual for the American expansion Westward.
Assignment:
● Westward Expansion Map
Due Date
● Today