Could You Make it on the Frontier?

Life on the frontier was quite an adventure for the

people who took advantage of

"Uncle Sam's " cheap land!

First, take this quiz to see how you would do as a pioneer. Answer the questions honestly, and make sure to record your response so you can share it as a comment when you are done here.

Then, Read the essay at the following link to find out what living on the Great Plains was really like for the pioneers. (it's 3 pages long)

*The essay uses a statement, "proving up". At that time in history land was given away for really cheap prices, but pioneers had to meet some guidlines or "proove that they were moving up", if they wanted to keep their land.

Then, take a look at some picutres of real sod houses that pioneers actually lived in. When you get to the website click on "Sod Homes". Feel free to look at other pics if you want to.

Finally, submit a comment to this blog and let me know how you would do as a pioneer.

"Grade 8 Strikes it Rich!"

Gold Rush!
Feeling lucky? Think you can make a fortune mining for gold? Well, let's try your skills.

Visit the "Strike It Rich" site and find out how you would do if you were a 49er!

Once you get to the site, click on "Strike it Rich" . Make sure you read the instructions and make your choice for which prospector you will like to be.

When you are finished with the activity, you may try it again as another prospector. you must leave me a comment on this blog telling me how you did as a 49er! What did you think of the overall activity?

Have fun and Good Luck!
Mrs. J.