Historical studies of all kinds are possible Side Trips. A special interest can be researched, assimilated and synthesized in a written report, a web page, a multimedia presentation, a theatrical production, a mural, a musical presentation...the sky's the limit, Pardners!

Students may want to study particular personalities from this era...and share their understanding through an "in character" monologue, a "newspaper" article, a multimedia presentation.

Gunslingers and Outlaws - a topic of great appeal to many elementary and middle school students. If this deepens their understanding of this unique era, let 'em at 'em! This could produce priceless melodrama productions...video presentations...multimedia of all kinds!

Heartache and tragedy befell many on the "trail"...a reliving of the Donner Party is a Side Trip worthy of consideration.

A study of the art of the era is worth consideration...student produced works in the style of "Western" artists would make a wonderful "gallery" display.

The lyrics of music from the era are a history lesson in themselves! Who can forget the tragedy of the miner who lost his precious daughter, Clementine? Perhaps your students would like to compose and perform the ballad of the Westward HO! Wagon Train??

CLEMENTINE
Listen

In a cavern, in a canyon,
Excavating for a mine,
Dwelt a miner, forty-niner
And his daughter Clementine.

Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
Thou art lost and gone forever,
Dreadful sorry, Clementine.

Light she was and like a fairy,
And her shoes were number nine,
Herring boxes without topses
Sandals were for Clementine

CHORUS

Drove she ducklings to the water
Every morning just at nine,
Hit her foot against a splinter
Fell into the foaming brine.

CHORUS

Ruby lips above the water,
Blowing bubbles soft and fine,
But alas, I was no swimmer,
So I lost my Clementine.

CHORUS
Then the miner, forty-niner
Soon began to peak and pine,
Thought he oughter jine he daughter,
Now he's with his Clementine.

CHORUS

In my dreams she still doth haunt me,
Robed in garments soaked in brine;
Though in life I used to hug her,
Now she's dead, I draw the line.

Lyrics from The Mudcat Cafe

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	Classroom Teacher, The Wagonmaster © 1991 - 2013Leni Donlan and Katheleen Ferenz All Rights Reserved	Last Updated: 12/24/12