Description
Bring Carole Estby Dagg’s Historical Novel to Life Through Hands-On Learning
Immerse students in the Matanuska Colony resettlement with this comprehensive novel study that blends literature, Great Depression history, and practical STEM challenges. Perfect for homeschoolers (especially unit study families) and classroom teachers, this guide transforms reading into an interactive exploration of 1930s frontier life.
Why This Study Stands Out:
✅ Primary Source Powered
✅ Survival STEM Challenges – Test fish fertilizer science
✅ Multi-Age Adaptable – Activities tiered for elementary to high school
✅ No Busywork – Replace quizzes with homestead simulations and historical debates
✅ Virtual Field Trip Ready – Includes scavenger hunt guide, tailored to the book
What’s Included?
1. Historical Context Guide
-
New Deal Context – Compare 1862 Homestead Act to 1935 resettlement
-
Photo Analysis – Contrast 1935 Palmer, AK with modern images
-
Recruitment Poster Study – Would students join the colony?
2. Vocabulary
-
25 Words with quotes
3. Character Development
4. Theme Exploration
5. Hands-On STEM Labs
-
Pumpkin Growth Experiment – Test fish vs. milk fertilizer (using resources like Terpsichore!)
6. Cross-Curricular Projects
-
Homestead Budget Math – Price 1935 supplies in today’s dollars
-
Mock Town Hall – Debate New Deal policies
6. Virtual Field Trips
-
Alaska Museum Scavenger Hunt
-
Library of Congress Photo Analysis
Perfect For:
-
Homeschoolers studying Great Depression or frontier life
-
Teachers integrating ELA and social studies
-
Project-based learning groups
-
Kids who love hands-on history
Get Your Copy & Journey to 1930s Alaska!
Here is just a glimpse of the objectives covered and met:
Grades 3-5
📚 ELA (CCSS)
-
RL.3-5.1: Cite text evidence (character journals)
-
RL.4.3: Analyze character traits (Trip’s resilience)
-
W.5.7: Research project (1930s farming methods)
🔬 Science (NGSS)
-
3-LS1-1: Plant life cycles (pumpkin experiment)
🌎 Social Studies (NCSS/C3)
-
D2.His.3.3-5: Compare homesteading eras
-
D2.Eco.1.4-5: New Deal economics (budget simulation)
Grades 6-8
📚 ELA (CCSS)
-
RL.6.6: Author’s purpose (why write about Matanuska?)
-
SL.7.1: Socratic seminars (government’s role in survival)
-
W.8.1: Argument essay (“Was the colony successful?”)
🔬 Science (NGSS)
-
MS-LS2-1: Ecosystem interactions (fish fertilizer lab)
🌎 Social Studies (NCSS/C3)
-
D2.His.14.6-8: Assess colonization’s legacy
-
D2.Civ.10.7: Debate federal aid policies
Grades 9-10
📚 ELA (CCSS)
-
RL.9-10.7: Compare novel to primary sources
-
WHST.9-10.9: Research FERA documents
🌎 Social Studies (NCSS/C3)
-
D2.Eco.11.9-12: New Deal’s macroeconomic effects
Grades 11-12
📚 ELA (CCSS)
-
RL.11-12.3: Complex character analysis
🌎 Social Studies (NCSS/C3)
-
D2.His.16.11-12: Critique “frontier” narratives
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.