The Oregon Trail Scenario Game Questions
Group Family Member Names:
Circle One:
(Father) ___________________________________________________________________ (Survived / Died)
(Mother) __________________________________________________________________ (Survived / Died)
(Child #1) _________________________________________________________________ (Survived / Died)
(Child #2) _________________________________________________________________ (Survived / Died)
(Child #3) _________________________________________________________________ (Survived / Died)
Now that you have completed the Oregon Trail it is time to reflect upon your journey. You must apply
what you have learned during the first half of Unit #2 and what occurred for your family during the game.
In order to do well you must answer each question completely using many accurate details. Each
question is worth 10 points. Your total grade will be factored by how well you keep track of your
supplies with your inventory sheet (20 points), a timeline of events that occurred during your journey
(30 points), and the 5 short essay questions (50 points). The scoring rubric for the short essay questions
is on the back.
Writing Assignment:
Questions to consider and write a well-organized thought and answer to. Be sure to include multiple
details. Answers should be a minimum of one well-thought-out and detailed paragraph.
1. What is “Manifest Destiny” and how did it affect the United States’ Westward Expansion during the
1800’s?
(______________ / 10)
2. Why did many settlers in the 1800’s pack up everything and risk the move west?
(______________ / 10)
3. Why did you pack the supplies you packed and were they adequate for your journey?
(______________ / 10)
4. Do you think the obstacles that you faced in the game were the same obstacles that pioneers really
faced on the Oregon Trail? Why or why not?
(______________ / 10)
5. Evaluating the supplies that you arrived in Oregon with, would you have had the necessary supplies
to set up a homestead and a farm on which to live? What would you have to make life easier? What
would you be missing that would might be necessary?
(______________ / 10)
Scoring Rubric
*Remember to restate the question in your topic sentence and provide a closing sentence. Spelling and
grammar do count.
Level of Achievement
Exemplary (5 Points)
Quality (4 Points)
General Presentation
Reasoning, Argumentation
Provides a clear and thorough
introduction and background.
Demonstrates an accurate and
complete understanding of the
question.
Addresses the question. Presents
facts in a logical order
and uses
acceptable style and grammar (no
errors).
Combination of above traits, but
less consistently represented (1-2
errors).
Uses several arguments and backs
arguments with examples, facts that
support the conclusion.
Uses only one argument and example
that supports conclusion.
Same as above but less thorough,
still accurate
Adequate (3 Points)
Does not address the question
specifically, but does so in a
“round-about” way, missing the
point of the question.
States somewhat relevant facts and
presents them in a logical order.
Uses adequate style and grammar
(more than 2 errors).
Needs Improvement
(2 Points)
No Answer (0 Points)
Does not address the question.
States no relevant facts. Is not
clearly or logically organized
.
Fails to use acceptable style and
grammar.
Demonstrates minimal understanding
of question.
Uses facts from the topics studied for
support of the argument but they are
not accurate or do not answer the
question.
Does not demonstrate understanding of
the question and is inaccurate in the
facts presented.
Does not provide evidence to support
response to the question.