Classroom Activities
Trading Mystery
Trading Mystery focuses on a young brother and sister who learn to appreciate the city's fur trading history by getting to know a great-uncle. The unit delves into Chicago's early history through five lessons that integrate social studies, language arts, and fine arts as students explore this important topic.
Lesson 1: Story Mapping
After brainstorming prior knowledge of early Chicago, students will
explore the Trading Mystery map interactive to learn about
life in the 1890s through the eyes of fictional characters Lily and
Joseph.
Lesson 2: Tactile Box
Students will experience sensory learning through a mock time capsule
of fur trade "artifacts," as well as the Trading
Mystery map interactive,
to expand their knowledge of early Chicago and Fort Dearborn.
Lesson 3: Timeline
By creating a timeline of Chicago history spanning the years 1790 to
1900, students will learn about the development of the city from the
time of the American Indians and the early French explorers through
the end of the 19th century.
Lesson 4: Travel Brochure, Puppet Theater, or Diary Entry
By engaging in a creative project that involves writing, artwork, and/or
theater, students will demonstrate their newfound knowledge of early
Chicago and the fur trade. This lesson was designed as a two-day activity,
but may be altered at will (see Lesson 5).
Lesson 5: Travel Brochure, Puppet Theater, or Diary Entry
(Part 2)
By revising and presenting a creative project that involves writing,
artwork, and/or theater, students will demonstrate their newfound
knowledge of early Chicago and the fur trade.