Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.

Plan a trip.

Objective: To foster appreciation of positive/negative forces that our ancestors faced during the rise of modern America. To foster group planning skills. To foster group interaction skills.

Activity: Scenario: You and two other people are traveling on horseback. You leave from your present home, destination West. Time of trip: one year. You have all the supplies you need. Money between the three of you, $100. It is 1850. Suggestions: maps, list of supplies, medicine, food, clothing, cooking utensils (and remember your horses' needs). Someone brings a musical instrument. What might it be? What songs would you be singing? What topics of conversation might there be around your campfires? Someone should keep a journal. What difficulties on the trip can you imagine? How would you communicate with the people back home? Check area libraries for newspapers on microfilm 1840-1850.

Assessment: Participation ñ service to the group. Finished product: routes, lists of supplies, and answers to above questions. Grade for quality of group presentation.