Activity Overview
The 5 Ws are a powerful and simple way for students to get an overview of a topic and better enhance their understanding. By creating a spider map or narrative storyboard that showcases the 5Ws, students can demonstrate their knowledge using concise descriptions and visual scenes. Giving students a visual with each category helps students to better understand and remember the details and importance of the topic.
In this activity, students will create a spider map that highlights important facts about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Students will answer the following questions using 1-3 sentence answers in the description boxes as well as appropriate and meaningful illustrations:
- What was the transcontinental railroad?
- Who was involved?
- When was it constructed?
- Where was it constructed?
- Why was it constructed?
- How did it impact the United States and North America?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a Spider Map highlighting important facts about the transcontinental railroad using the 5 Ws and H (who, what, when, where, why, and how).
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- For each cell, answer the question with a 1-3 sentence description.
- Create an illustration that represents each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Answer 5-6 questions about the transcontinental railroad and include appropriate illustrations for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description is detailed and accurately answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The description is somewhat detailed and mostly answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; demonstrating student's basic understanding. | The description is incomplete and does not answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
The 5 Ws are a powerful and simple way for students to get an overview of a topic and better enhance their understanding. By creating a spider map or narrative storyboard that showcases the 5Ws, students can demonstrate their knowledge using concise descriptions and visual scenes. Giving students a visual with each category helps students to better understand and remember the details and importance of the topic.
In this activity, students will create a spider map that highlights important facts about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Students will answer the following questions using 1-3 sentence answers in the description boxes as well as appropriate and meaningful illustrations:
- What was the transcontinental railroad?
- Who was involved?
- When was it constructed?
- Where was it constructed?
- Why was it constructed?
- How did it impact the United States and North America?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a Spider Map highlighting important facts about the transcontinental railroad using the 5 Ws and H (who, what, when, where, why, and how).
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- For each cell, answer the question with a 1-3 sentence description.
- Create an illustration that represents each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Answer 5-6 questions about the transcontinental railroad and include appropriate illustrations for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description is detailed and accurately answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The description is somewhat detailed and mostly answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; demonstrating student's basic understanding. | The description is incomplete and does not answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about The 5 Ws of the Transcontinental Railroad
How to Differentiate the 5 Ws Activity for Diverse Learners
Adapt assignment expectations for students with varying abilities and learning styles. Offer sentence starters, allow oral or visual responses, or provide graphic organizers so every student can demonstrate understanding and participate meaningfully.
Provide Visual Examples for Each 5 W
Show completed samples of spider maps or storyboards for each W. Visual models help students understand assignment expectations and inspire their own creative responses.
Incorporate Primary Sources to Enrich Research
Introduce students to historical photographs, maps, or firsthand accounts about the Transcontinental Railroad. Using primary sources sparks curiosity and deepens understanding of the topic.
Facilitate a Gallery Walk to Share Student Work
Organize a classroom gallery walk where students display and view each other's spider maps. Peer sharing encourages discussion, reflection, and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Integrate Technology for Collaborative Storyboarding
Leverage digital tools or apps for students to create and collaborate on their spider maps or storyboards. Technology integration enhances engagement and allows for easy sharing and feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions about The 5 Ws of the Transcontinental Railroad
What are the 5 Ws of the Transcontinental Railroad?
The 5 Ws of the Transcontinental Railroad are: What was the railroad, Who was involved, When it was built, Where it was constructed, and Why it was important. These questions help students understand the key facts about the railroad's history and impact.
How can students make a spider map for the transcontinental railroad?
Students can create a spider map by drawing a central circle labeled "Transcontinental Railroad" and connecting it to five branches, each answering one of the 5 Ws with short descriptions and relevant illustrations for each fact.
Why is using visuals and illustrations important when teaching about the transcontinental railroad?
Visuals and illustrations help students better understand and remember key details about the transcontinental railroad by making complex information more accessible and engaging.
What grade levels is the 5 Ws transcontinental railroad lesson suitable for?
This lesson is designed for grades 6-8, making it ideal for middle school students learning about U.S. history and the transcontinental railroad.
What impact did the transcontinental railroad have on the United States?
The transcontinental railroad united the country by making cross-country travel and trade much faster and easier, spurring economic growth and westward expansion in the United States.
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