Railroad History

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Learn the history of the Railroad through Google Maps.  Just click here and you will on your way to a historical adventure.  Students will gain understanding on why the railroad was built and it's effect on the people.  Through teamwork, students will create projects that reflect the people's involvement during the building of the rails.  Students will also learn to create a Google Map by adding components to a Railroad Timeline.

Gradess 6-8
Students are to work in three groups. 

First Group: Railway Owners-Create travel brochures.
Second Group: Tourists-Write 4-6 diary entries about experience on the rails.
Third Group: Workers- Write 4-6 letters home about building the rails.

Students are given one week for research.  Groups are given one week for projects.  Groups will be given up to 10 min. to present their project during teacher assigned time.

Materials:

Textbook
Google Map
Transcontinental Railroad
Homestead Act
The Pacific Railway Act
PBS also has a few episodes of the west.
Supplies for Project