Wagon train
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What is Wagon Train?
As part of their social studies curriculum, Trinity’s fourth graders embark on a wagon train adventure “traveling” along the Oregon Trail. During this multi-week course of study, the 4th graders are first divided up into wagon train groups and given an identity and profession. They might be a wagon train master, a trail guide, a father or mother, or a child or infant. The wagon train groups have projects and assignments along the way, such as writing diary entries, making displays, etc. Different fates and successes meet each wagon train along the journey! Some will survive, some will not. Much depends on the decisions made by each wagon train group.
Fortunately, even those who do not survive the journey along the Oregon Trail are included in the culminating event – the wagon train luncheon!
All parents and siblings are encouraged to attend this fun-filled afternoon. The ELD ramp is decorated to recreate some of the stops along the Oregon Trail. At the end of the ramp, the travelers reach Oregon City ( the science wing hall area) where the luncheon is spread out on long tables down the center of the hallway. The menu for the luncheon is planned by the 4th graders and their teachers about a week before, and each child is assigned an item to bring (enough for 15 people). After grabbing some grub, everyone heads outside to the outdoor amphitheatre to watch the skits that the 4th graders put together.
Past Wagon Trains
Current Wagon Train Planning Pages
Click "here" for work on the current Wagon Train
Components of Wagon Train
- Committeees
- Mock Oregon Trail
- Luncheon
- "Wanted" posters
- Childrens' Projects
- Skits
Landmarks Along the Oregon Trail
Mo’s General Store – Independence, MO
Platte River – 1st river to cross
Chimney Rock
Cheyenne Territory
Burial Grounds
Fort Laramie
Sweetwater River
Independence Rock
Entering Idaho
Soda Springs
Rocky Mountains – “Leave-Its”
Snake River
Blue Mountains
Oregon City
