A few projects from our westward expansion unit. I try to incorporate as many hands on projects as we can into each unit - they give an in-depth understanding of the subject, help problem solving and critical thinking skills, require perseverance, build self-confidence, foster creativity and project management and overall empower my kiddos and are FUN✨ When I’m planning a unit study, books and hands on projects are what I focus on most and I’ll often see fun hands on projects I think my kids will enjoy that inspire our unit study topics. The days the majority of our time is focused on reading and hands on projects are the most successful, both in learning & peace and happiness Usually I give them lots of ideas and let them pick what they want to do and othey have their own ideas too! Here are most of the projects they did for our Westward Expansion unit: 🗺salt dough map (including territories, trails taken west and the trail of tears, native indigenous lands, the trans intentional railroad and major battles) 🗺covered wagons 🗺mini lego model of Fort McHenry 🗺a mini quilt 🗺model of a railroad track and steam engine 🗺newspaper with articles, comics, advertisements, crosswords puzzles etc Its also fun to use the projects they enjoy or that are valuable learning tools as ideas for other units; most of these we can do some version of for so many history time periods. What projects should we try next? What do your kiddos love doing that really foster a deeper understanding of what you’re learning about? Or that simply bring them joy? We always love more ideas!