This inquiry explores how and when Europeans and Americans moved onto the northern Great Plains. This topic is introduced through the investigation of the compelling question “was the Homestead Act a good thing?” The importance of understanding this context is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand what policies were enacted to encourage non-Native immigration and settlement in the territory, and later state, and (2) students will benefit from understanding whether or not these policies were successful and how they continue to affect the state to the present day. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the changes occurring in social institutions and speculate future scenarios.
This inquiry is expected to take three 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.
- Railroad Map Set
- State Map Set
- Homestead Act
- Timber Culture Act
- Preemption
- Town Life in ND, Holmboe Films Document Set
- Land, Liquor, and the Women of Hatton, ND
- Rural & Town Schools Document Set
Understand: Identify some of the key “social infrastructure” that is an important part of your community (such as a hospital or library).
Assess: Determine the role social infrastructure has in your community. What are some of the ways in which you can support those institutions?
Act: Create a poster or infographic that demonstrates the significance of an institution to your community and some suggestions through which people can continue to support that organizations. Share your poster or infographic with other people in your community.