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**Introduction: **

 * How true is our image of the American West? **

You’ve probably seen a movie or TV show about the frontier. You may have even played cowboys and Indians. What do you know about The Wild West? Where did you get your ideas about that era? How much is based upon fact? How much is based upon legend? During this project, your job is to separate the humbug (fiction) from the history (fact). You will examine different sources to determine what the west was really like by stepping into the shoes, boots, or moccasins of those who lived it. So, saddle up for a rootin’-tootin’ time, partner!

**Ideas that go beyond this unit **


 * How can we know if something is true?
 * Since history is told by people, how do personal experiences and beliefs affect how history is recorded?
 * How does art, literature, film, etc., affect our view of history?
 * What makes a source reliable?
 * How can I get the most from my research?
 * How can I use what I already know about research and technology to meet my goals? What new information do I need to accomplish my task?
 * How can I use planning strategies to meet deadlines?
 * What makes a produc t //excellent//?

**Things every student should know **


 * When was //The Wild West//?
 * What were the major events that define the period?
 * What specific states or territories were included in //The Wild West//?
 * What were the different groups of people that made up the west?
 * What were the names of important figures?
 * What was life like?
 * What role did manifest destiny play in the events of the time?
 * Why did //The Wild West// come to an end?
 * Why and how is my person remembered?
 * How did my person’s abilities, beliefs, and actions impact America?