Westward
Expansion
th
4 Grade
Project
Due:
February
18
Dear Parents,
We are ready to begin our 2nd semester social studies project. Our students will each need
to create a “Famous Face” and write a brief research report.
Students will need to choose a famous character from the era of westward expansion.
Examples: Jim Bridger, Narcissa Whitman, Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Thomas Durant,
Bringham Young, Kit Carson, Charles Goodnight
For more ideas: http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/
Famous Face
Materials: poster board, scissors, coloring tools
Instructions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Cut a circle in the top or your poster board that is the same size as your face.
Cut 2 circles a little more than ½ way from the top for your hands.
Draw authentic clothing on your character.
Draw artifacts in the background that represent your character.
Examples:
See a larger photo: http://pinterest.com/pin/286823069989689213/
Research Report
Guidelines:
1. may be typed or neatly handwritten on the front side of the paper only
2. 1 page handwritten or ½ page typed (minimum)
3. must include a list of the books/articles you used for research
4. must be organized into paragraphs and have a clear beginning, middle, and end
5. few if any errors in grammar and spelling
6. must be in the student’s own words—not copied directly from research
Sample Outline:
Paragraph 1
Begin with a lead sentence that grabs the reader’s attention.
Introduce your famous character and explain why you chose him/her.
Paragraph 2
Begin with a transition word or phrase. (first, then, next, ect.)
Explain how your character was involved in/furthered westward expansion.
Paragraph 3
Begin with a transition word or phrase.
Explain how your character had a lasting impact on our country.
Wrap it up with a conclusion sentence that makes your report feel finished
and gives us something to ponder.
Presentation
The project will be due on Monday, February 18. Students will present their reports orally
in class beginning on that date.
Let us know if you have questions,
Mrs. Leiker & Mrs. Vaughn