Western Expansion Essay Optional Assignment
Well written essays can earn a quiz grade of 95%. Essay will be
graded on the criteria written below. Essays handed in will
be graded. Do not hand in an essay that is poorly done
or only partially completed.
Historical Context
Many sports teams draw their inspiration from history. This is
especially true of the era of western expansion in the 1800’s. Many team
names have historical significance from their state or regional story.
Task
Research the team name history from at least three of the teams below.
Write a paragraph about each of the team names and how they connect to the
region, state or city’s history. An example is give below. (SEATLE
SUPERSONICS)
Example
The Supersonics are the NBA franchise in Seattle. Seattle is the
home of the Boeing Aircraft Company, makers of some of the fastest jets in
the world. Supersonic is a term for flying faster than the speed of sound. Speed is
an excellent asset for a basketball team to have. Since the Seattle is home to these
fast jets it was natural to give their basketball team a name rooted in local industry.
Include in your TYPED essay
 An intro and conclusion.
 Paragraphs on at least 3 team name histories and how they are connected
to the history of the city, state or region they represent.
 Put your essay into two columns
 Insert at least one appropriate picture, properly inserted using the
instructions on back.
Team name ideas
Portland Trailblazers
Oregon State Beavers
San Francisco 49ers
University of Tennessee Volunteers
San Diego Padres
California Angels (Anaheim Angels)
Oklahoma “Sooners”
Kansas “Jayhawks”
New Mexico Lobos
You may research others, but be sure
to connect the team name to the
history of the place the team plays.
Important Computer Resources for Social Studies
Important Contact Information:
A. Class page via school website
1) Go to school website http://ms.peekskillcsd.org/home.aspx
2) Under “Directory” click “Class Pages”
3) Type “Wallace” in class name OR click “History and Social Science”
4) Click “Mr. Wallace 7th Grade Social Studies”
-Resource section has important links and copies of HW worksheets when possible.
-Events section lists HW, Quizzes, and class events
-Updated ASAP
B. Contact Mr. Wallace online: I am available at vwallace@peekskillcsd.org Please contact
me with questions, comments or ideas. Email is the best way to contact me.
How can I put my essay into columns?
1) Type your
essay (after you
have a hand
written
version). Run
spelling &
grammar
check.
2) Highlight the entire essay (or the
section you want in multiple columns)
by using your mouse / touchpad.
3) While the essay is highlighted, click FORMAT on the
tool bar at the top of the screen.
4) Click COLUMNS from the format drop down menu.
5) Select the preset column set up you want from the
screen.
How can I insert a picture into my essay and have the
text wrap around it?
1) Click insert
2) Click picture
3) Click “from file” if picture is one you have saved as a
file OR click “clip art” if you want to use a pre-made
picture already in your computer.
4) Double click the picture you want.
5) When the picture appears in your essay, RIGHT CLICK
on the picture.
6) Click format picture
7) Click the LAYOUT tab on top.
8) Click “tight”
9) Click “OK”
10) Now move the picture around, the text will wrap around the picture as you move it.