Teaching 4th-grade social studies is exciting! In this history lesson, students will learn about the Homestead Act of 1862. 
 
NOT IN IDAHO? NO PROBLEM! This lesson covers 4th-grade standards about settlers and includes activities/readings that will add value to any state's curriculum. 
 
Use this 4th-grade history lesson about the Homestead Act in so many ways!
✅ Introduce the Homestead Act with the lesson postcard.
✅ Invite students to read about the Homestead Act and respond to questions.
✅ Complete the project, game, or simulation that comes with the lesson.
✅ Check students’ skills using differentiated assessments.
✅ Challenge students to complete the Idaho History Mystery and earn a badge!
 
Included in this 4th-grade Idaho history lesson about the Homestead Act:
✏️ Reading Passages about Pioneer Lifestyles with Comprehension Questions 
✏️ Math Problems Related to the Reading & 1 Math Challenge Page
✏️ Science Connection about Weather on the Plains
✏️ Quilt Names and Designs (3 Printable Pages of 3"x3" Quilt Squares - Perfect for making a 9"x9" Construction Paper Quilt
✏️ 1 Writing Challenge Page 
 
Idaho History Mystery Elements: 
Set the Stage: Postcard
Engage students at the beginning of the lesson and present the mystery.
Introduction: Read All About It!
Students can read about the Homestead Act and respond to questions. Introduce educational materials for the lesson and review resources from the Recommended Supplemental Materials section.
Engage: Project
Students interact with the materials on a more creative level.
✏️ Show What You Know: Assessments
Invite students to show what they have learned about Idaho History through a differentiated assessment. Customize the learning environment for gifted learners and students who need additional support.
✏️ Earn a Badge: Mystery
Students complete one “Escape Room-Style” mystery at the end of each lesson. They check their answer on Google Forms or with the teacher’s answer key and color a badge on their Idaho state page!
✏️ Answer Keys
 
A 29-slide PowerPoint includes the text and questions from the printed packet. This makes it perfect for presenting to the class and using PearDeck or similar applications.
 
Hear about this 4th-Grade Homestead Act Activity from educators like you!
⭐️ “This activity was a great addition to our pioneer day. We mainly focused on the design and decorating of our quilts and students were extremely engaged!”
⭐️ “This was an awesome resource! There is so much good information and so many interesting quilt designs. I used it with 4th grade library students as we read about homesteaders in Nebraska. They liked it so much that they wanted to design and make their own quilts.”
⭐️ “A terrific resource of both historical information and artistic teaching. I used it as an extension to our Oregon Trail unit and a lead in to a sewing project we did of our own.”
⭐️ “This resource fit in so well with our unit! We had an aide who brought in some real quilts to share as well!”
⭐️ “We loved this resources with our pioneer unit!”
 
Find answers to your questions about this Idaho State History Social Studies Lesson:
✋ Do I need a specific textbook to use this resource?
No. The activities can all stand alone. I have added chapters from the Idaho Adventure Textbook on one “suggested extra resources” page, but none of the activities rely on this textbook. 
✋ Do I have to live in Idaho to find value in this social studies lesson about the Homestead Act?
No. This lesson aligns with Idaho Social Studies Content Standards and topics addressed in 4th-grade Idaho History lessons. However, many of these topics are also taught in other states.
 
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