Little House on the Prairie

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Little House on the Prairie  

Pioneer Web Quest for 4th Grade

Introduction

The pioneer times were a very exciting time for Americans, but a very difficult time also.  By reading the novel Little House on the Prairie, you will be able to experience through Laura and her family what these times were like.

 

Task

You will choose ONE of the four projects below to complete by the deadline provided.

  1. Chinking

  2. Family Tree

  3. Puppets and Script (puppet show)

  4. Crossword Puzzle

 

Process

  1. While reading the novel Little House on the Prairie, you will complete ONE of the projects.

  2. To help you out, use the Big 6 research method to help in this project.

  3. First let’s read through each of the projects. They are listed at the end of the Web Quest.

  4. Next, you need to choose the project you want to complete. 

  5. Now let’s find that information!  In the library, look for your information in these sources:

--in the reference section in encyclopedias

--search the OPAC for books in the nonfiction section on your topic

--use the books on reserve for 4th grade on pioneer times

--the Internet using the suggested web sites for each project

  1. Read the information in the books or on the web site and look for information on your topic.

  2. Complete the project according to the instructions.

  3. You will now present your project to the class as described in the instructions.

  4. Now, for the last step:  Tell me how you think you did on this project?  Answer these 3 questions on a separate sheet of paper:

--What did I do that was really good?

--What could I do better on next time?

--Which sources helped me the most to learn about pioneer times?

 

PROJECTS

  1. Chinking

When the pioneers built their log cabins, they needed to create a substance to fill in the cracks between each log.  This substance was intended to help keep the wind and the cold out of the house.  The process of filling the cracks between the logs was called chinking.  In this project you are to create a substance that could have been used for chinking back in the 1880s.  You may only use materials that would have been available at the time.  Glue, tape, and cement of any kind are strictly forbidden. You should be prepared to :

--Share the recipe with the class.  You may take pictures of you mixing the ingredients at home.

--Prove that it hardens and stays in place between at least two small sticks to show that it is wind resistant.  (Bring an actual sample)

--Show that the mixture, when dried, is waterproof.

In addition to the pioneer books on reserve in the library, also try these web sites to help in your research on chinking:

Pictures of chinking in a log home

The Lost Art of Chinking (old-time recipe) 

Chinking/Daubing  

 

  1. Family Tree

Using parents, relatives, the Internet, etc. you are to research your relatives and ancestors at least to your great-grandparents if not farther back.  You should then create a family tree on large paper or poster board.  The tree should start with the oldest known relatives’ names and their relationship to you.  It should end with your name (along with your brothers and/or sisters).  This project should be in color and creatively decorated.

In addition to the family tree books on reserve in the library, try these web sites to help in your research:

The TXGenWeb Project—Ellis County 

Family Search

Ellis Island Immigration Records  

The TXGenWeb Project  Research Help

USGenWeb Archives  

 

  1.  Puppets and Script (puppet show)

Choose your favorite part of the book.  Create a script or a play that follows that part of the book.  Then make puppets for each of the characters in your play.  These puppets can be made out of anything from socks to paper lunch bags or even cut outs glued to Popsicle sticks.  Be prepared to present your puppet show to the class.

In addition to the puppet books on reserve in the library, try these web sites to help in your research:

Puppet Crafts  

It’s All About Puppets  

Puppets and Marionettes  

Make a Shadow Puppet Theater!  

Talking Heads (homemade puppets) 

 

  1. Crossword Puzzle

Create an original crossword puzzle using all 20 vocabulary words.  You may use graph paper to make it easier.  The clues provided by you to determine which word goes in each blank should include the definition of the word.  You may also use an online crossword puzzle maker to do this project.  Provide an answer key and be prepared to have your classmates solve the crossword.

In addition to your vocabulary list, try these web sites to help with this project:

Puzzlemaker 

Crossword Puzzlemaker  

Instant Online Crossword Puzzle Maker  

 

Evaluation

You will receive 1 test grade for completing this project.

 

Conclusion

At the end of this project you will have a better understanding of the pioneer times in which Laura Ingalls Wilder lived!

 

Credits

Clip art courtesy Fotosearch.

 

revised 10/27/05