Public learning track
Innovation, Infrastructure, and the Impact of Expansion
5 lessons
Goal
Explore how transportation technologies, infrastructure developments, and political conflicts over slavery transformed a growing nation.
5 lessons
0 of 5 done
- Steamboats, Flatboats, and River TransportationUp next
- Steam Engines and the Transcontinental RailroadNot started yet
- Ports, Harbors, Dams, and Locks Supporting GrowthNot started yet
- The Expansion of Slavery into Western TerritoriesNot started yet
- Mapping Territorial Growth and Western TrailsNot started yet
Standards Covered
- SS.4.10West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesCompare and contrast the physical, economic and political changes to America caused by geographic conditions and human intervention (e.g., bridges, canals, state boundaries, transportation, etc.).
- SS.4.16West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesDemonstrate an understanding of the causes and effects of Westward Expansion. • Investigate the economic, political and cultural factors involved in Westward Expansion (e.g., Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, Manifest Destiny, resources, trade, etc.). • Analyze the people and events that facilitated Westward Expansion (e.g., Daniel Boone, Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, Northwest Territory, Alamo, Gold Rush, etc.). • Trace transportation innovations and explain their impact on Westward Expansion (e.g., bridges, canals, steamboats, railroads, steam engines, clipper ships, flat boats, roads, dams, locks, ports, harbors, etc.).
- SS.4.7West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesResearch and examine how slavery and indentured servitude influenced the early economy of the United States by constructing graphics (e.g., charts, graphs, tables and grids, etc.) displaying the effect of having slaves and indentured servants.
- SS.4.15West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesTrace the beginnings of America as a nation and the establishment of the new government. • Compare and contrast the various forms of government in effect from 1774-1854 (e.g., Continental Congress, Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc.). • Research the contributions of early American historic figures (e.g., George Washington, John Adams, Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, James Madison, Dolly Madison, etc.). • Explain the political, social and economic challenges faced by the new nation (e.g., development of political parties, expansion of slavery, taxation, etc.).
- SS.4.11West Virginia Social Studies Standards · Social Studies · all grade levels · All agesPlan and construct maps to demonstrate the effect of geographic conditions on historical processes, practices and events (e.g., colonization, industry, agriculture, major engagements in the Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, etc.).
Curriculum Framework
3rd Grade · Social Studies · US-WV-SS
1
4 lessons
Essential Map Reading and Navigation Skills
Develop foundational map skills including cardinal directions, latitude and longitude grids, scale calculation, and interpreting physical map features.
2
8 lessons
Physical Geography and Landforms of the United States
Explore the major mountain ranges, water systems, landforms, and climate zones across the United States while learning to analyze and create thematic maps.
3
11 lessons
Human-Environment Interaction and American Regions
Explain how humans adapt to, modify, and depend on their physical environments across the regions of the United States.
4
11 lessons
Economics, Markets, and the American Workforce
Understand fundamental economic concepts including goods, services, supply, demand, competition, and how labor systems shaped the American economy.
5
7 lessons
Principles and Structure of American Government
Analyze foundational democratic values, explain the rule of law, and examine how the three branches of government balance power.
6
6 lessons
Citizenship, Rights, and Community Action
Identify constitutional rights, distinguish civic duties and responsibilities, explore local governance, and apply active citizenship through community projects.
7
4 lessons
Early European Exploration and First Settlements
Explore Indigenous nations prior to European arrival, compare Spanish, French, and English colonial motivations, and examine the earliest permanent settlements.
8
9 lessons
Life, Economy, and Governance in the Thirteen Colonies
Examine the geographic regions, economic systems, diverse cultures, and early democratic institutions of the Thirteen American Colonies.
9
7 lessons
Causes of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence
Examine the political, economic, and ideological factors that led the American colonies to protest British rule, unite, and declare independence.
10
7 lessons
Fighting the Revolutionary War and Winning Independence
Explore key battles, leadership, diverse wartime contributions, international alliances, and the peace treaty that secured American independence.
11
6 lessons
Creating the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights
Examine how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the Constitutional Convention, major compromises, and the creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
12
7 lessons
Leaders and Challenges of the Early Republic
Explore early presidential administrations, the rise of political parties, the War of 1812, and the evolving democratic and regional challenges facing the young nation.
13
9 lessons
Westward Expansion and Pioneer Journeys
Understand the major territorial acquisitions, cultural motivations, and pioneer migrations that shaped the westward growth of the United States.
14
5 lessons
Innovation, Infrastructure, and the Impact of Expansion
Explore how transportation technologies, infrastructure developments, and political conflicts over slavery transformed a growing nation.
15
6 lessons
West Virginia Geography and Natural Resources
Explore West Virginia's physical regions, major waterways, transportation challenges, and foundational natural resource industries.
16
6 lessons
Modern West Virginia and Historical Inquiry
Examine West Virginia's demographic changes and modern economy, and develop historical inquiry and research project skills.