The Oregon Trail Project is a fun and engaging way for Jillian Parker, 5th grade RLA and social studies teacher, to review the unit with her students.  

Students in Parker's class were given a mission and a small set of supplies. The mission was "While traveling west, one of the pioneers had a baby. Where will they put the baby in the wagon on their journey? Make a baby bed for the littlest pioneer." 

They were to construct a baby bunk that provided safety and comfort with only paper sack, scissors, 5 cotton balls, 4 popsicle sticks, a coffee filter, a rubber band, and an index card. . There were no guidelines on how to put the baby bed together. The students had to work together and figure out the best way to build a safe and comfortable space for the baby, using unconventional supplies.  

“It was fun to watch them try to prove their ideas and collaborate to make them even better,” said Parker. 

After completing the build, the students had to explain to the class the steps they took to make the baby bunk in detail. The students' tactics for securing the baby’s safety varied from using cotton balls for cushions to securing the plastic baby with a rubber band-like a seat belt. 

Parker then placed the baby bunk on a chair to simulate the wagon. Then she created scenarios giving a reason for the bumpy ride, such as bear attacks, bandits, a broken wheel, and falling rocks and shook the chair to test the sturdiness of the baby bed. 

“This project is entirely student-driven,” said Parker. “I was only there to supervise. I got to see students emerge as leaders who I never would have thought of in a leadership role. They really took charge of their learning!”