Classwork media study: Oregon Trail and The Gold Rush

Actively read one of the following articles with your group; taking independent copious notes on key events, figures, ideas and policies. Be prepared to discuss your article with members of other groups on the following issues:



1. Did mass media inform or reflect westward expansion to the Oregon Trail and the Gold Rush?



2. Did the experiences of those who migrated West meet their expectations?


3. How did westward expansion affect the lives of indigenous and immigrant groups?


Gold Rush Resources
http://www.malakoff.com/gorh.htm

Oregon Trail Resources:
http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/00.n.trailarchive.html

Donner Party online resources:
http://members.aol.com/DanMRosen/donner/jan47.htm

Blog Assignment 1 : Was the New World superior to the Old World? (Due Thursday, 9/24)

Now that we've spent substantial time expolring the intial motives and consequences of European colonization in the Americas, I'd like to hear about your position on this week's essential question. Please refer to class materials and/or any research you've completed for your first project as evidence to support your point of view. Remeber, responding to one another is what will make this an inqury-driven learning community - that's the point of the blog!

Also, thank you so much for all the warm wishes and your sustained focus and hard work while I was out!