🌎Activity #3: How Would You Pack Your Wagon?

OBJECTIVE

In this lesson I will learn about the difficult decisions that pioneers were faced with when it was time to pack their wagons and head west.

ASSIGNMENT

You will be filling out a list of what to take in your wagon and what to leave.  The list has several items to choose from, however, you will be limited by 2,400 pound weight limit. 

GUIDELINES

1.  When the pioneers were heading out west, there were some basic things that were true about life on the trail.  These basic items influenced their decisions of what to bring on the trail and what to leave behind.  Review the list below before you get started:

• Thousands of people traveled the Oregon and Mormon Trails between the months of May to October going about 15 miles per day.
• Hotels were not an option on the trail, the pioneers camped the entire way.
• There were not any grocery stores or supply stores along the way.  There were limited opportunities to trade at a trading post or with Native Americans, but for the most part you only had what was packed in your wagon.
• The pioneers had to endure all types of weather (good and bad).
• They were leaving their homes in the east, and had to build new homes when they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley
• The pioneers had to take care of their health and safety along the way.  
• They had no way of knowing if they would be able to buy tools or supplies for their new lives when they got to the Salt Lake Valley
• There was not much for them to do to entertain themselves.
• Pioneers had to be problem solvers and be creative when problems arose 

2.  Answer the following questions in a text entry submission as you choose how to pack your wagon:

• What would be the most important things you would take, and why do you consider them the most important?
• Which of the following things would bother you most? (being hungry, being cold and wet, not having your favorite personal belongings, not feeling safe, or being stranded)   Why would this be bothersome to you?

3.  Now that you have had time to think about things, consider the following information and then fill out the list below.  Wagons usually carried supplies for 4 or more people.  Wagons were pulled by mules or oxen, but if you loaded your wagon too heavily, it would injure or kill your animals.  You can only load up to 2, 400 lbs.  As you fill out the list keep the weight total in mind, you can be under it, but not over it.  Be ready to share your list with a small group and be ready to defend your choices.  

PACK YOUR WAGON.pdf Download PACK YOUR WAGON.pdf