Trail Of Tears

Introduction

Living in modern day America, have your rights ever been violated or were you made to do something that you did not want to do? Have you ever been forced to move from your home and made to live in a different state or region against your will and away from your parents? This is a true story of what happened to Native Americans long ago.

Task

For this web quest, you will learn about the Trail of Tears and complete a set of questions that relate to this event. You will also write a short story about how you would feel if you were made to leave your home and live somewhere else against your will.

Process

1. Before you start the web quest, please write down the following questions and be prepared to answer them. All of the answers can be found in the video and in the fast facts section.

What is the Trail of Tears and why was it called by this name?

When did this event happen?

How many Native Americans were affected by this event?

Name the various Native American groups that were affected?

What caused this event to happen?

Where did the Trail of Tears end?

Who was the President and what role did he play?

How were their lives different after the Trail of Tears?

Was the Trail of Tears legal?

Name the tribes that were removed from their home to the new location?

2. Watch the following video by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rJr4kgDdqU

3. Next, read the fast facts page about the Trail of Tears by clicking on the following link:

http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/16-educational/history/282-trail-of-tears.html

4. Answer the questions listed above. You may replay the video or reread the facts if needed.

5. Click on the link below to look at a picture about the Trail of Tears. How do you think the Native Americans are feeling? Add this answer to your short story.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h1567b.html

6. Click on the link below to look at the map. Use the map and the video at the bottom of the page to answer the last question on the list above.

http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/history-of-native-americans/trail-of-tears.htm

7. Write a short story about how you would feel if you were forced to move out of your house and relocated to another place.

Evaluation

Evaluation Rubric

	Exceeds Expectations (3)	Meets Expectations (2)	Does Not Meet Expectations (1)	Score

Goal	The student clearly states their opinions about the issues.	The student somewhat states their opinions about the issues.	The student does not state their opinions about the issues.

Supporting Ideas	The student states at least 3 supporting ideas to back up their reasons.	The student states at least 2 supporting ideas to back up their reasons.	The student states at least 1 supporting idea to back up their reasons.

Structure and Style	The student utilizes the structure for an essay and paragraph structure very well.	The student somewhat utilizes the structure for an essay and paragraph structure.	The student does not utilize the structure for an essay and paragraph structure.

Grammar and Mechanics	The essay contains little to no errors in punctuation, grammar, or spelling.	The essay contains few errors in punctuation, grammar, or spelling.	The essay contains many errors in punctuation, grammar, or spelling.

Total Score:

Conclusion

Congratulations, you have completed the web quest on the Trail of Tears! We live in a free society and our rights are taken for granted. Now you see how it felt to be a Native American and to have your home and land taken away from you. Below are links if you wish to continue to read and explore more about Native Americans and their culture.