Moving Out West

Step 1: Before you can create a board game for you and others to play, you have to become experts on the information that will make up your board game. Decide now who will be each expert. 

General Information about Westward Expansion: these are links with information everyone can use

Pioneers - This could be one of the most helpful websites, so make sure you take time to explore each section of the site!

Step 3: Gather with your group and share what you have learned about traveling west!

Step 4: Now it is time to start thinking about your board game. You will be creating a board game that will allow the players to learn about westward expansion while also having fun! As you start to think about your board game, think about the most important things you learned and the things you found most interesting  Also, what do you want your game to be like? Brainstorm about the different board games you have played. Your game needs to have directions, spaces (half have to have something written on them), game pieces, at least 1 set of cards, and it has to involve strategy (the players have to make decisions throughout the game).  

Step 5: Now that you have an understanding of what your game will be like, it is time to actually create it so that others can learn about westward expansion as well! Be creative and make your game attractive as well! You want others to play your game, so do not forget a cool name. You will all work as a group to create your game, but remember you each have specific jobs as well. Look above at your roles if you need to remember what to do. 

1. A trail west (be sure to include actual terrain encountered - mountains, rivers, etc.)

2. Animals on the trail 

3. Hardships (illnesses, death, etc.)

4. Information about life on the trail (food, games, clothing, etc.) 

5. Information about pioneers and other people associated with westward expansion (ex. Native Americans)

6. Strategy (players make decisions)

7. Game pieces related to westward expansion

8. 1 set of cards (there can be more)

9. Spaces (half of them have to have something written on them)

10. Importance of Missouri on westward expansion

Step 6: Write a description of your game as well as directions. Place a copy of both with your board game and pieces. Anyone who has not played your game before should be able to pick up the game, find out what it is about, how to play, play it from start to finish, and learn a lot about the journey west in the 1800's.