Group project American Pioneer (Examples of collaboration)

• Students will be in groups of 3 or 4. Each group will choose a different American Pioneer to research. Each group will answer the questions at the bottom to their best ability. Research these questions and put the answers in your own wording (do not just copy and paste I want to see that you understand.) Then your group will work together to create a poster about their pioneer.

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• Daniel Boone (1734–1820):

• Known for exploring and settling Kentucky.

• Notable for his role in the American Revolutionary War and the development of the Wilderness Road.

• Davy Crockett (1786–1836):

• Famous for his adventures in the frontier and his role in the Texas Revolution at the Battle of the Alamo.

• Served in the U.S. House of Representatives.

• James Bridger (1804–1881):

• Renowned fur trapper and mountain man.

• Discovered the Great Salt Lake and Bridger Pass.

• Kit Carson (1809–1868):

• Mountain man, fur trapper, and guide.

• Known for his expeditions in the Southwest and his role in the Mexican-American War.

• John Colter (1774–1813):

• Member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

• Regarded as one of the first mountain men and known for his exploration of the Yellowstone region.

• Jim Bridger (1804–1881):

• Mountain man and explorer.

• Founded Fort Bridger in Wyoming, a key trading post on the Oregon Trail.

• Lewis and Clark (Meriwether Lewis: 1774–1809, William Clark: 1770–1838):

• Led the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and the Pacific Northwest.

• Samuel Houston (1793–1863):

• Frontiersman, military leader, and politician.

• Played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution and later became the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Questions they can answer:

• Early Life and Motivations:

• What was the early life and background of your chosen pioneer?

• What motivated them to become a frontiersman and venture into unsettled territories?

• Exploration and Settlement:

• Which specific areas did your pioneer explore and settle?

• What challenges did they face during their exploration and settlement efforts?

• Key Accomplishments:

• What are the notable accomplishments or achievements of your pioneer in the areas they settled?

• How did their actions contribute to the development or growth of those regions?

• Interactions with Native Peoples:

• How did your pioneer interact with Native American populations in the areas they settled?

• What impact did these interactions have on both the pioneers and the Native peoples?

• What were the long-term effects on specific Native American tribes following interactions with the pioneers/frontiersmen your chosen individual encountered? 

• How did these interactions shape the trajectory of the tribes in terms of culture, land, and overall well-being?

• Survival Skills and Adaptations:

• What survival skills and adaptations did your pioneer employ to thrive in the frontier environment?

• How did they overcome challenges such as harsh weather, wildlife, and scarce resources?

• Establishment of Communities:

• Did your pioneer play a role in the establishment of communities or settlements in the areas they explored?

• What were the key features of these communities?

• Economic Activities:

• What economic activities or industries did your pioneer engage in to sustain themselves and their communities?

• Did they contribute to trade, agriculture, or other economic endeavors?

• Role in Westward Expansion:

• How did your pioneer contribute to the broader westward expansion movement during the 19th century?

• Were they involved in any significant events related to expansion, such as land acquisitions or conflicts?

• Legacy and Impact:

• What is the lasting legacy of your pioneer in the areas they settled?

• How are they remembered or commemorated in history?

• Challenges Faced:

• What were the main challenges your pioneer faced during their time in the frontier?

• How did they navigate issues such as conflicts, isolation, or resource scarcity?

Criteria	Exemplary (4)	Proficient (3)	Basic (2)	Below Basic (1)
Research Content	The presentation provides thorough, accurate, and well-documented information about the pioneer/frontiersman, covering all aspects of their life, contributions, and challenges.	The presentation offers detailed and accurate information about the pioneer/frontiersman, covering most aspects of their life, contributions, and challenges.	The presentation contains basic information about the pioneer/frontiersman, with some gaps in detail or accuracy.	The presentation lacks sufficient and accurate information about the pioneer/frontiersman, making it challenging to understand their contributions and experiences.
Organization and Structure	The presentation is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Information is presented in a logical sequence, and transitions between topics are smooth.	The presentation is organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. There may be minor issues with sequencing or transitions.	The organization of the presentation is somewhat unclear, with noticeable gaps in flow or structure. Transitions between topics may be abrupt.	The presentation lacks clear organization, making it difficult for the audience to follow the information presented.
Visual Presentation	Visual aids (such as maps, timelines, images, etc.) are creatively and effectively used to enhance understanding. They are clear, relevant, and aesthetically pleasing.	Visual aids are used to enhance understanding, but there may be minor issues with clarity, relevance, or aesthetics.	Visual aids are present but lack creativity, clarity, or relevance to the information presented.	Visual aids are either absent or do not contribute meaningfully to the presentation.
Engagement and Delivery	Group members demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic, engage the audience effectively, and deliver the presentation with enthusiasm, clarity, and confidence.	Group members demonstrate a good understanding of the topic, engage the audience, and deliver the presentation with clarity and confidence.	Group members show a basic understanding of the topic but may lack consistent engagement or delivery clarity.	Group members struggle to convey a clear understanding of the topic, resulting in a presentation that lacks engagement and coherence.
Response to Questions	Group members respond to questions with detailed and accurate information, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the pioneer/frontiersman and their impact.	Group members respond to questions with sufficient information, showcasing a solid understanding of the pioneer/frontiersman and their impact.	Responses to questions are limited, and there may be gaps in understanding or accuracy.	Group members struggle to respond to questions, indicating a limited understanding of the pioneer/frontiersman and their impact.
Overall Impact and Creativity	The presentation leaves a lasting impact, showcasing creativity, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the chosen pioneer/frontiersman.	The presentation has a positive impact, demonstrating creativity and innovation in presenting information about the pioneer/frontiersman.	The presentation is somewhat impactful, with limited creativity in conveying information about the pioneer/frontiersman.	The presentation lacks impact, and creativity in presenting information about the pioneer/frontiersman is minimal.
Collaboration and Teamwork	All group members actively contribute to the presentation, and there is seamless collaboration. Each member plays a distinct role in the research and presentation process.	Most group members actively contribute to the presentation, with effective collaboration. Roles are somewhat distinct, but there may be minor unevenness in contributions.	Some group members contribute less actively to the presentation, and there may be noticeable unevenness in collaboration. Roles may not be well-defined.	Group members contribute unevenly to the presentation, and there is limited evidence of effective collaboration. Roles are unclear or not well-defined.