 January 2006
Western Trails: An Online Journey
Click West, young person! Primary documents about the American West.
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
http://www.cdpheritage.org/exhibit/westernTrails/index.cfm
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CONTENT:
This site is the collaborative effort of a number of institutions in Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska. It offers a digital database of thousands of primary documents that deal with the history of the western United States as well as lesson plans for using primary sources in the classroom. |
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SITE DESIGN:
Each of the independently created databases can be searched by using a variety of options or browsed by following any of the ten themes listed on the right side of the main page. The left sidebar also includes links to the theme exhibits as well as the search boxes. There is a top navigation bar that offers access to other areas of the site. |
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REVIEW:
Western Trails is a rich resource of primary documents that can be used by American History teachers to enhance their lessons. It features ten themes such as Native American Trails, Explorer Trails, Military Trails, Settlement Trails and Population Trails. Each of the exhibits includes an essay about the theme, maps, images, and other primary sources. The Teacher Toolbox (located in the top navigation bar) includes a collection of resources and information that would be helpful to educators just getting started using digitized primary source materials or those who are looking for new ideas. The lesson plan collection features ready-to-go lessons available on a range of subjects and grouped by elementary, middle and high school levels. Lessons can be searched by keyword, subject area or grade level. Included are self-paced, online professional development courses that provide methods and resources for searching and using digitized primary source materials. Additionally, the Digital Toolbox offers strategies to help digitization projects of all scopes and sizes as well as project management tips. |
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