Middle School Students Participate in Homesteading Simulation

October 16, 2023

During the month of September, eighth grade students in Ms. Lauren Cierski and Ms. Janine Vogel’s English and Social Studies classes participated in a homesteading simulation to conclude their Westward expansion unit. 

Each student received the identity of a homesteader that was consistent with the individuals who headed out West during the late 1800s, along with an amount of “starting money.” Students would then “claim land” as early settlers did and decide what to raise on their land.

Cierski explained that “fate” would then happen to the students with events such as locusts eating their crops or a new method of farming affecting them. 

Towards the end of the simulation, when towns were established, students had the opportunity to run for government positions. Students who decided to run for office made a speech to their classmates, who then voted.