U.S. History: Western Expansion- Tennessee's Western Frontier

Students will develop an understanding of exploration and settlement in early Tennessee during a time when the state was the nation’s western frontier. Students will read maps, illustrations, and texts, and take on the roles of frontier people to make decisions based on historical evidence.

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Tennessee Western Frontier

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Standards & Objectives

Academic standards

5.32: Describe the role of Buffalo Soldiers in settling the West, including Tennessee native George Jordan.
8.59: Describe American settlements in Texas after 1821 and the causes for the Texas War of Independence, including the roles of David Crockett and Sam Houston in the war and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.6: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.5.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.10: By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.10: By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.3: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.5: Compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.6: Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.1: Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.8: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.9: Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.10: By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.3: Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.9: Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.1: Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.2: Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.2: Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.2: Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.3: Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.4: Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.3: Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.4: Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 8 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
GLE 0301.2.1: Continue to develop basic listening skills necessary for communication.
GLE 0301.2.2: Continue to develop basic speaking skills necessary for communication.
GLE 0401.1.2: Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0401.2.1: Continue to develop oral language skills necessary for communication.
GLE 0401.2.2: Continue to develop listening skills necessary for communication.
GLE 0401.6.1: Apply skills and strategies to comprehend informational texts.
GLE 0401.8.1: Use active comprehension strategies to derive meaning while reading and check for understanding after reading.
GLE 0501.1.2: Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0501.2.1: Continue to develop critical listening skills necessary for comprehension and task completion.
GLE 0501.2.2: Continue to develop strategies for expressing thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
GLE 0501.2.4: Participate in teams for work and discussion.
GLE 0501.5.2: Use logic to make inferences and to draw conclusions in a variety of oral and written contexts.
GLE 0501.6.1: Apply appropriate skills and strategies to comprehend informational texts (e.g., pre-reading strategies, comprehension strategies, graphic organizers,...
GLE 0501.6.3: Explore the organizational structures of informational texts.
GLE 0501.8.1: Use previously learned comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading.
GLE 0501.8.2: Experience various literary genres, including fiction and nonfiction, poetry, drama, chapter books, biography/autobiography, short stories, folk tales, myths,...
GLE 0601.2.1: Demonstrate critical listening skills essential for comprehension, evaluation, problem solving, and task completion.
GLE 0601.2.2: Begin to differentiate between summarizing and paraphrasing.
GLE 0601.2.6: Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
GLE 0601.2.8: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0601.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0601.4.2: Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0801.1.1: Demonstrate control of Standard English through grammar usage, and mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, and spelling).
GLE 0801.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0801.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0801.4.2: Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0801.4.3: Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0801.5.5: Explore the concept of premises, including false premises.
GLE 0801.8.5: Identify and analyze common literary terms (e.g., personification, conflict, theme).
SPI 0401.1.13: Recognize and use grade appropriate vocabulary within context.
SPI 0401.2.1: Identify the main idea and supporting points of a speech.
SPI 0401.3.8: Select appropriate time-order or transitional words to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0501.1.15: Recognize and use grade appropriate vocabulary within context.
SPI 0501.2.4: Organize ideas in the most effective order for an oral presentation.
SPI 0501.3.10: Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0501.5.1: Locate information to support opinions, predictions, and conclusions.
SPI 0501.5.2: Identify stated or implied cause and effect relationships in text.
SPI 0501.5.6: Make inferences and draw appropriate conclusions from text.
SPI 0501.7.2: Determine the main idea in a visual image.
SPI 0601.2.4: Select the most appropriate behaviors for participating productively in a team (e.g., contribute appropriate and useful information and ideas, understand the...
SPI 0601.2.5: Identify the functions and responsibilities of individual roles within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
SPI 0601.3.1: Identify the purpose for writing (i.e., to inform, to describe, to explain, to persuade).
SPI 0601.3.5: Select illustrations, descriptions, and/or facts to support key ideas.
SPI 0601.3.9: Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph.
SPI 0601.4.3: Determine the most appropriate research source for a given research topic.
SPI 0801.1.16: Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 0801.1.19: Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary.
SPI 0801.1.2: Identify the correct use of verbs (i.e., action/linking, regular/irregular, agreement, perfect tenses, verb phrases) within context.
SPI 0801.2.4: Determine the most effective methods of engaging an audience during an oral presentation (e.g., making eye contact, adjusting speaking rate).
SPI 0801.2.7: Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gain the floor in orderly ways, meet or set deadlines for completing each...
SPI 0801.2.8: Identify the functions and responsibilities of individuals within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
SPI 0801.3.11: Identify individual written selections as technical, narrative, persuasive, and/or descriptive in mode.
SPI 0801.3.5: Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0801.3.8: Select vivid words to strengthen a description (adjective or adverb) within a writing sample or passage.
SPI 0801.3.9: Select illustrations, explanations, anecdotes, descriptions and/or facts to support key ideas.
SPI 0801.4.2: Identify levels of reliability among resources (e.g., eyewitness account, newspaper account, supermarket tabloid account, Internet source).
SPI 0801.5.9: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 0801.8.14: Identify the authors purpose for writing.
SPI 0801.8.8: Analyze figurative language (i.e., idiom, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, pun) within context.
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media formats in order to make informed decisions and solve problems; evaluate the...
TSS.ELA.3.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 3rd grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and expressing...
TSS.ELA.3.SL.CC.2: Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text presented in diverse media such as visual, quantitative, and oral formats.
TSS.ELA.4.FL.F.5: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
TSS.ELA.4.RI.RRTC.10: Read and comprehend stories and informational texts throughout the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.4.RL.RRTC.10: Read and comprehend stories and poems throughout the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.4.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 4th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and expressing...
TSS.ELA.4.SL.CC.2: Paraphrase portions of a text presented in diverse media such as visual, quantitative, and oral formats.
TSS.ELA.4.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information.
TSS.ELA.5.FL.F.5: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
TSS.ELA.5.RI.CS.6: Analyze the similarities and differences in points of view of multiple accounts of the same event or topic.
TSS.ELA.5.RI.IKI.8: Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which points.
TSS.ELA.5.RI.IKI.9: Integrate information from two or more texts on the same topic in order to build content knowledge.
TSS.ELA.5.RI.KID.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
TSS.ELA.5.RI.KID.3: Explain the relationships and interactions among two or more individuals, events, and/or ideas in a text.
TSS.ELA.5.RI.RRTC.10: Read and comprehend stories and informational texts at the high end of the grades 4-5 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
TSS.ELA.5.RL.CS.6: Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.
TSS.ELA.5.RL.IKI.9: Compare and contrast stories in the same genre on their approaches to similar themes and topics.
TSS.ELA.5.RL.KID.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
TSS.ELA.5.RL.KID.3: Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in a text.
TSS.ELA.5.RL.RRTC.10: Read and comprehend stories and poems at the high end of the grades 4-5 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
TSS.ELA.5.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 5th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and expressing...
TSS.ELA.5.SL.CC.2: Summarize a text presented in diverse media such as visual, quantitative, and oral formats.
TSS.ELA.5.SL.CC.3: Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.
TSS.ELA.5.SL.PKI.4: Report on a topic or text, or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main...
TSS.ELA.6.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 6th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and expressing...
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.7: Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.8: Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding...
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
TSS.ELA.8.L.CSE.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
TSS.ELA.8.L.CSE.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading and writing, explain the functions of ...
TSS.ELA.8.L.KL.3: When writing and speaking, adjust style and tone to a variety of contexts; when reading or listening, analyze stylistic choices to determine context.
TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.5: When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
TSS.ELA.8.RI.CS.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
TSS.ELA.8.RI.IKI.8: Delineate and evaluate the rgument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and the...
TSS.ELA.8.RI.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.
TSS.ELA.8.RI.KID.2: Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an...
TSS.ELA.8.RL.CS.6: Analyze how similarities and differences in the points of view of the audience and the characters create effects such as suspense, humor, or dramatic irony.
TSS.ELA.8.RL.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.
TSS.ELA.8.RL.KID.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting,...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 8th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and expressing...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.CC.3: Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence; identify when...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.PKI.4: Present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence; sound, valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.8.W.PDW.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.7: Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused...
TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.8: Use search terms effectively; integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of...
TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.9: Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 8 standards for...
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.3: Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and...

Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.

Learning objectives:

Students will:

develop an understanding that knowledge about people is recorded through written documents, illustrations, and maps.
compare different routes to Nashville and develop an understanding of the rationale of settlers in their choice of route to the frontier and settlement locations.
Develop an understanding of the hardships and rewards of settler life, paying particular attention to the experiences of the frontiersmen in addition to the experiences of women and children.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Extension suggestions:

Have students read a few larger portions of the Davy Crockett autobiography and the Daniel Boone biography. Using information in the two texts, have students write an essay comparing and contrasting the two men and their lives.

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS:

Overhead projector connected to computer
Worksheet—Daniel Boone Real Estate Fact Sheet
Worksheet—Davy Crockett Indentured
Servant Graphic Organizer
Worksheet—Daniel Boone Shadow Box
Instructions and Ideas
Worksheet—Davy Crockett Indentured Servant Scene Planning
Primary Source Analysis Teacher’s Guide (Photographs and Prints)
Primary Source Analysis Teacher’s Guide (Books and Other Printed Texts)
Primary Source Analysis Worksheet
Materials for Shadow Box:
Box with lid, like a show box or other small box
Cellophane or plastic wrap
Construction paper, different colors
Scissors
Colored pencils, crayons, markers
Tape or glue