1. Sarah Minor’s Social Studies Lesson
THE Oregon trail
Sarah Minor’s Social Studies Lesson

2. What was the Oregon Trail?
This trail was used as a different way for travelers to migrate out West!
The Trail was about 2,000 miles west of the Missouri towards Oregon

3. The Great Wagon Train
The trail was first used in when 1,000 people set off on the journey
They called them The Great Wagon Train
Thousands of people followed the Great Wagon Train’s trail the year after

4. How did they travel?
Many people who made this journey traveled using big wagons that were pulled by oxen
Everything they needed to start their new life was put in that wagon
They would always travel in groups because it was too dangerous to travel alone

5. How Long did it take? It took about 6 months
Pioneers would leave Independence Missouri in the Spring
They had to get to their destination before winter or else they would not have had a good chance or surviving

6. The Trail Wasn’t Easy….
Many pioneers had to face many hardships while traveling
It was very easy to get sick & many died of diseases
Food, water, & wood were always hard to find
The trail was not easy to travel on
Difficult to walk on
Very hot during the summer months
Hard to pass through rivers & mountains with the wagons
Wagons broke easily
Oxen & Horses died

7. Let’s see what you learned
Now that you have learned some awesome information about the Oregon Trail, I want you to try to imagine how it was to be one of the pioneers!

8. Activity 1 I want you to play one game of The Oregon Trail!
This is a fun interactive game that will help you think about the choices the pioneers had to make
Click on this link
Put your name in, choose your profession, & make your family
Be sure to think about what profession would help you when you settle out west
Buy the supplies you think you’ll need on the trail
Remember to not spend all your money at the beginning, you might need some on the trail!
Decide when the best time to leave is
Remember, you have to get there before winter starts!

9. Activity 2
Once you are done playing the Oregon Trail, pretend you are one of the pioneers. I want you to write a short diary entry as if you were a child making the journey with your family.
What do you think life was like?
What hardships have you gone through?

10. Quiz Time!
Once you are done with activity 1 & 2, take a short quiz about the things you’ve learned about the Oregon Trail!
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