1. Introduction

Overview:

The unit plan is about the Westward Expansion of the United States of America. This is being taught so that students understand that there weren't always 50 states in the United States of America. This teaches students the history of the US and the geography of the US as it forms into what it is today. The students may have the misconception that Texas was always a part of the United States of America. I will address this misconception by explaining how Texas became a part of the United States through the Mexica-American War and checking for student understanding as I go along, through questioning.

Rationale:

This lesson belongs in the Westward Expansion Unit plan. This lesson is the fourth lesson in the unit, and the format was chosen because cooperative learning focuses on student’s social skills. This lesson engages students in developing a deeper understanding of the significance of historical events on the United States' present day geography and culture, encouraging students to “understand the importance of changing and competing interpretations of different historical developments” in accordance with the standards. It will address the misconception that Texas was always a part of the United States of America.

Essential Questions:

Why did Americans want to expand Westward?

What ways did the Mexican-American War affect settlement in the West?

Did westward expansion have any negative impact? If so, what are they?