Promoting Literacy and Learning through Social Studies Standards: Connections across Classrooms involves collaboration between two schools in the Washington Township School District . Fifth grade students simultaneously work on a social studies unit titled Western Expansion: America in the Early 1800s. Students become active partners in the learning process.

• Plan ahead!
  • Administrative support from building principals and curriculum supervisors helps facilitate successful implementation of this unit project.
    
    
  • Differentiated Instruction strategies are introduced that can be successfully implemented using existing classroom curriculum materials and basic art supplies. Additional literature, music, and art supplies could be purchased to supplement the project according to the availability of funds.
    
    
  • Students need access to a computer lab to conduct extensive research throughout the project.
    Access to e-mail, a scanner, digital camera, and video camera are needed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and projects between classrooms.
    
    
  • A student tool kit is needed: The kit contains a saw, jig, screw driver, vice, and other basic tools. The tool kit is utilized by the students to build a model prairie schooner. (Our science department provided the tool kits.). Students will be building a model prairie schooner (covered wagon).
    
    
  • Safety procedures for hands-on experiences. Safety glasses must be worn when doing tasks such as cutting wood may injure your eyes. Handle tools and equipment with care. Place tools back in their proper places when you finish using them. When using sharp instruments to cut, always cut away from your body.
    
    
  • Funds should be budgeted for the construction of the frame of the prairie schooner. The cost for 1 cm wood (for frame), wooden wheels (4 per group), and craft sticks (for base) should be built into the budget. Students put into practice a philosophy of recycling as they gather household materials to use for creating provisions to include in the wagon.
    
    
  • A strong partnership between collaborating teachers is essential to the success of this unit project.