Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 
Field Trip Lesson Plan
Jr. High United States History

AIMS						      DO NOWS
Before Trip:  How did the Transcontinental railroad promote westward expansion?
After Trip:  How did modern transportation technology affect America in the late 19th century?	Before Trip:  Describe the experience of moving west as part of a wagon train.
After Trip:  Describe the experience of traveling on a steam train.	

MOTIVATIONS
Before Trip:  A railroad is being constructed to link the eastern and western parts of the United States!  Do you like long car rides?  How does that compare to a wagon ride?
After Trip:  How will people react to new steam trains?  How do you react to new technology?	

ACTIVITIES						QUESTIONS
Before Trip:  
1.  Introduce students to the 
     Transcontinental Railroad.
2.  Have students understand the 
     importance of railroads in westward 
     expansion.

After Trip:
1.  Discuss the impact of technology on 
     society, both positive and negative, 
     focusing on steam-powered railroads.
     Students will be able to use their field
     trip experiences to accurately describe
     travel on a steam train.	Before Trip:
1.  What were the dangers of wagon travel 
     out west?
2.  Why were wagons not able to truly link 
     the eastern and western United States?

After Trip:
1.  How did railroad travel compare with 
     earlier methods of transportation?
2.  How did people react to the 
     Transcontinental Railroad?
3.  What were some positive and 
     negatives effects of rail travel?

SUMMARY						ADDITIONAL LESSONS
Before Trip:  The Transcontinental Railroad provided reliable, fast transportation across America.
After Trip:  There were many pros and some cons associated with the modern railroad technology of the late 19th century.	1.  Industrial Revolution and Steam Power
2.  Lives of Railroad Workers in the 
     Industrial Era
3.  Impact of Railroads on 19th Century 
     America (Time Zones, etc.)
4.  Roaring 20s	

Jr. High US History					   Name:  _______________
Date:  ___________						 	         Field Trip

STEAM TRAINS:  The Force that United America

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:  Pay close attention as you travel on the train today.  
Be sure to complete all of the following tasks.  Enjoy your trip!

1.	What type of locomotive is pulling the train today?

2.	What type of fuel powers today’s locomotive?

3.	Step back in history:  As a child seeing a steam train for the first time, what would be your reaction?

4.	How does train travel compare with a horse and wagon on a dirt 
road?

5.	What are some positive effects of steam trains?  Negative?

6.	How did railroad affect westward expansion?

7.	How did Native Americans react to railroads being built westward?