Thread: What is a creative way to teach class about the westward movement in America?

I need to teach class about Monroe Doctrine, Indian Removal Act, American Mexican War, Claifonria Gold Rush and things like that. I can i do this a creative way?? i have alreay thought of a movie, an animation, journal entries. I need more ideas.

Try to find a pre civil war map of the U.S. with all the territories labeled. Using Lincoln's Homestead Act of 1862, ask the children if they would endure the hardships and deprivations for free land out West. What would they need to take with them on the journey and what would they need once they got there. How are they going to get there.

Was the war with Mexico even necessary. Mr. Polks war. Or just a way to expand slavery into the new territories.