Westward Expansion Project
This project is due on our Moving West Day Wednesday, September 30. Below you
will find 3 options. Your task is to complete TWO of the options. Be sure to read the
instructions carefully AND check the rubric.
Option # 1: Using the format of writing in the book, Rachel’s Journal, you will create
a journal page based on a person who lived during that time. For example, you
could be a farmer, rancher, pioneer, Native American, cowboy/girl, railroad person,
miner, soldier, etc. The journal page will be written in journal format with the date of
July 4, 1850 from the viewpoint of the person you have chosen. You should use only
references to materials that were available in that time period. The page should be
decorated with color - use Rachel’s Journal as a guide.
Letter-Writing : Journal Entry
CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Content
Accuracy
The journal
contains at least
5 accurate facts
and is written in
the point of
view of the
intended
character.
The journal contains
3-4 accurate facts
and is written in the
point of view of the
intended
character.
The journal
contains 1-2
accurate facts
about the topic
and is written in the
point of view of the
intended
character.
The journal contains
no accurate facts
about the topic OR is
not written in the point
of view of the
intended character.
Format
Uses the same
format as
Rachel's
Journal. (date,
picture(s), and
colorful)
Uses only 2 of the 3
characteristics of
Rachel's format.
Uses 1 of the 3
characteristics of
Rachel's format.
Does not use the
characteristics of
Rachel's format at all.
Writer makes 1-2
errors in grammar,
punctuation,
and/or spelling.
Writer makes 3-4
errors in grammar,
punctuation,
and/or spelling
Writer makes more
than 4 errors in
grammar,
punctuation, and/or
spelling.
Journal entry is
crumpled or slightly
stained. It may
have 1-2
distracting error
corrections. It was
done with some
care.
Journal entry looks like
it had been shoved in
a pocket or book bag.
It may have several
distracting error
corrections. It looks like
it was done in a hurry
or stored improperly.
Grammar & Writer makes no
spelling
errors in
(conventions) grammar,
punctuation, or
spelling.
Neatness
Journal page is
clean, not
wrinkled, and is
easy to read
with no
distracting error
corrections. It
was done with
pride.
Option # 2: Create a visual display. Find and print/copy pictures that relate to
moving west. Use a poster board (12 X 14 or larger) and paste the pictures all around
to create a collage. You should NOT see any white space on the poster board. You
may also use quotes (but you do not have to) that describe this time period as well.
Nothing on the visual display should be handwritten- except your name.
Making A Collage : Visual Display
CATEGORY 4
3
2
The collage
includes
pictures/quotes
that relate to
Westward
Expansion. There is
no white space.
The collage
includes
pictures/quotes
that relate to
Westward
Expansion. There is
white space.
There are
The collage is the
pictures/quotes in wrong size.
the collage that
do not relate to
Westward
Expansion.
Quality of
The items are
Construction neatly trimmed. All
items are carefully
and securely
attached. There
are no stray marks,
smudges or glue
stains. Nothing is
hanging over the
edges.
The items are
neatly trimmed. All
items are carefully
and securely
attached. A few
barely noticeable
stray marks,
smudges or glue
stains are present.
Nothing is hanging
over the edges.
Most items are
neatly trimmed.
All items are
securely
attached. A few
barely noticeable
stray marks,
smudges or glue
stains are present.
Nothing is
hanging over the
edges.
Number of
Items
1
The collage was
put together
sloppily. Items
appear to be just
"slapped on".
Pieces may be
loose or hanging
over the edges.
Smudges, stains,
rips, uneven
edges, and/or
stray marks are
evident.
Option # 3: Dress up. Choose a person from the west (cowboy, miner, homesteader,
Native American, etc.) and dress up like him/her.
Historical Costume : Dress Up
CATEGORY
Costume
4
3
2
Student's outfit
contains 3-4 items that
accurately fit the time
period (hat, boots,
dress, etc.)
Student's outfit
contains 1-2 items
that accurately fit
the time period.
Student's outfit does
not accurately fit the
time period.
1