Introduction
Yesterday we made a chart together documenting the differences between the needs and resources of Pioneers and the way we travel today. We found many differences and only a few similarities! 

From yesterday's lesson you will recall that traveling along the Oregon Trail was difficult and there were many hardships. We also discussed that there were many different types of documentation made by the pioneers as they moved along the Oregon Trail. So, ask yourself, How would you document your travels if you were a pioneer? 

First, you will need to take some time to look over the facts that were listed on your chart. 

The next step for you is to explore the internet to find out more information on what it was like to travel along the Oregon Trail. Through these sites you will find examples of journal entries, stories, and pictures from the Oregon Trail. 

After you have taken some time to explore these websites you will be able to create a documentation of your own that answers the big question:

"What was it like to travel along the Oregon Trail?" 

~Below you will find more information on your final creation.

Your task has 4 steps.

You will want to put these together and write them as if you were a pioneer traveling along the Oregon Trail. It is your job to find how these types of things were used on the original Oregon Trail so that your final project looks as much like it did back then. You will also find several examples of projects from past years to help give you some ideas.

For this project you will be assesed on how well you work in the computer lab and follow directions. You will also be assesed on the information you find on the internet and how you use it in your final project. There will also be an assessment on your final presentation.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 4	Exemplary 6	Score
Working cooperatively with a partner in the computer lab to do research on the internet	Does not not work cooperatively in the computer lab. Disrupts other groups and abuses computer privledges.	Student shows appropriate behavior moderately but needs to reminded to stay on task.	Student works well with others and demonstrates appropriate use of the computer lab.	Student shows full respect for computer lab while taking turns with partner. Stays on task through out the entire activity.
Showing adequate information found on the internet to assist you in creating a final project	Student does not find adequate information on the internet to support final project.	Student finds a moderate about of information on the internet to help support their final project.	Student finds adequate information (4 sites) on the internet to help support their final project.	Student goes above and beyond (4+ sites)to find information on the internet to help support their final project.
Showing your understanding of what it was like to travel the Oregon Trail through the completion of the final creation	Student shows little to no  information describing what it was like to travel the Oregon Trail.	Student shows minimal information pertaining what it was like along the Oregon Trail and stuggles to show new information found on the internet.	Students shows adequate information on what it was like on the Oregon Trail. They show information discussed in class as well as information found on the internet.	Students project shows a deeper understanding of what it was like on the Oregon Trail by inculding information found on the internet as well as in class.They also go a step further and answer questions not posed in the assignement or pose new questions of their own.
Using your speaking skills during your  presentation to the class	Student reads directly from their notes. Makes little to no eye contact with the audiance and struggles with confidence and a clear speaking voice.	Student uses their notes and makes moderate eye contact with audiance. Student sometimes struggles to speak to the audiance and has a hard time connecting with the audince.	Student is able to present their project using minimal use of notes. Student looks at audiance and speaks clearly with confidence.	Student is able to present their project with out notes or referenceing their creation. Student adds other information to their presentation. Student speaks clearly and loudly with confidence.

This lesson was designed to help you better understand what it was like to travel along The Oregon Trail and give you an opportunity to use the internet for research. You will have created a book, a journal or a photo album that documents what you found on the internet as well as in the books you read. You will have also gotten the opportunity to work in the computrer lab and do research on the internet. You will have been given the opportunity to work on your speaking skills and putting together a presentation.