Should North Dakota Be a State?

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This inquiry explores the impact of statehood in North Dakota through the investigation of the compelling question “should North Dakota be a state?” The importance of understanding maps and what information they can tell us in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand what kind of information maps can tell us and (2) students will understand the process through which Dakota Territory was divided into two states. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the challenges of governing specific regions.

This inquiry is expected to take one to two class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
Should North Dakota be a state?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.1.3 Interpret current thematic maps to identify where people live and work and how land is used.
Staging the Question
Have students discuss the pros and cons for a U.S. Territory to become a state. Are there currently territories who have expressed desire to become a state?
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
What can we learn about the transition from Dakota Territory to statehood from studying maps?
What can maps tell us about what life was like in Dakota Territory?
What challenges did territory leaders encounter in pursuing statehood?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Create a graphic organizer identifying what is significant about the featured sources.
Study the pursuit of statehood through several maps and share in class how and what the sources reveal about life in Dakota Territory.
Using the internet and library resources, students will conduct research and write a summary of how state leaders used policy and laws to influence immigration, settlement, and community building in North Dakota.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Political Map of U.S. 1845
  • Nebraska Territory 1857
  • Johnson’s Map of Dakota Territory 1861, 1862
  • NPRR Map 1871
  • Asher & Adams Map of Dakota 1873
  • RR & County Map of Dakota 1884
  • Map of Indian Reservations 1885
  • Colton’s Map of Dakota 1885
  • Statehood Map 1889
  • Map of Custer’s Recon of the Black Hills 1874
  • Internet and library resources
Summative Performance Task
Argument
Why was Dakota Territory split into two states—North and South Dakota? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Create a poster and present your argument to your class with evidence to support your claims.
Extension
Is the current boarder between North and South Dakota the best place for a division? What other ways could the territory have been divided? What impact would that have had on modern North Dakota and South Dakota?
Taking Informed Action

Understand: What are some of the modern challenges of governing a state? Would it be easier or more complex to manage the state as a larger unit? What things would change? What would stay the same? How does management of state government impact your community today? Has it always been like that? If not, how has it changed over time?

Assess: Create a map of your proposed changes to the boundaries of North Dakota—including other states and provinces as desired. Where would you place a capitol? How would you break the proposed state up into smaller regions (like counties)? Help viewers of your map understand your reasoning.

Act: Invite a local leader (city, county, or state representative) to speak to your class about the modern challenges of managing a governing entity. What are some of the problems and issues they deal with?