Pioneers in Michigan
10/2/2008
Subject:Michigan History
Topic: Pioneers and the Erie Canal
Objective: Students will be able to identify the struggles with everyday life as a pioneer in early Michigan
Materials: 1) Power point on Pioneers
2) “Building the Erie Canal” video from
3) Duct Tape
4) Chalk Board
Assessment: I will know that students will be able to identify the struggles with everyday life as a pioneer in early Michigan when they have completed the “Packing the Wagon” exercise.
Instruction:*Current Events
*Notes w/ power point
*Erie Canal video
*Read “Pioneer Life” Together
* “Packing the Wagon” exercise
Activity: Have students mark an area on the floor approximately the size of a wagon bed-about 10 to 12 feet long by 4 to 6 feet wide by 2 feet high. Use removable duct or masking tape or chalk to outline the area.
Ask the students to imagine that they are members of a pioneer family coming to Michigan to buy a farm in 1830. With students, make up a family profile. How many people are in the family? What are their ages and sizes?
Divide class into groups. Assign each the task of deciding what to bring. Each group might make up a different list, e.g., household items, tools to start farm, children's things, clothing, etc. After lists are made, have groups report back and write lists on chalkboard.
Divide the items into three lists:
- Absolutely necessary-must take;
- Things we would take if there is room, useful but could do without (e.g., a special piece of furniture);
- Fun items, toys, "extra" clothes. With the measured area in sight, the class should come to an agreement on what will be included. What is a necessity, e.g., a rocking chair? Why? What things on the list can be left behind? Estimate the measurement of household items, tools, or measure similar items at home. Decide what will be taken so that all will fit, including people. Will everyone ride?
Notes:
-Little changed after the War of 1812
*Fur trading still dominated economy
-Most of territory was unsurveyed & unavailable for settlement (not able to cultivate)
-Governor Lewis Cass started a campaign to boost Michigan’s appeal for settlers
*Asked for roads, lighthouses to be built
*Negotiated land treaties w/ Indians
*Organize counties & pushed for public schools
-1830’s population increased from 27,278 to 212,000 plus
*Erie Canal BIG part of this
*1825 it was completed
*It linked the Hudson River to Lake Erie (363 miles)
*Huge Savings in shipping cost
*Easy route to Midwest from New England
-Pioneers
*Came to Michigan due to cheap land ($1.25 per acre)
*1836 4.1 million acres was purchased
*Life was rough and hardships occurred
*Mosquitoes horrible!!