The Homestead Act for grades 4th through 8th traveling trunk was designed by Homestead National Monument of America park staff. This trunk uses student-centered activities to increase student's knowledge of the Homestead Act of 1862 and westward expansion. The trunk contains resources for educators to use in a classroom environment. It integrates written and oral activities, document analysis and detective skills to enhance your student's learning.
The trunk includes curriculum materials, books, documents, case files and a DVD that can be integrated into history, social studies, reading, and language arts curriculum. Additionally, the curriculum materials include student station sheets, so students can rotate stations without the teacher having to repeat instructions.
Abraham, a Buddy Bison, travels with the Homestead Act 4-8 traveling trunk. He records all of his adventures. Be sure if you request this trunk that you e-mail photos and stories of his adventures with your class. Your class can then track his travels all year long.