Painting by John Gast, American Progress, 1872. Autry Museum; 92.126.1
Students learn about Westward Expansion by analyzing the American Progress painting. Students also tell their own American West story by interviewing family members and creating art.
Standards
CA HSS 8.8.2.
Lesson and Resources
Lesson: Westward Expansion Art Analysis; Spanish
Student Response Sheet: Westward Expansion Art Analysis Student Response Sheet; Spanish
Teaching Tips for Different Learning Environments
Whole Class In-Person Learning: Student Groups for Parts 1-6, analyzing artwork then class share out. Individual student presentations or Gallery Walk of student stories.
Whole Class Distance Learning: Screen Share Image and ask questions OR Jamboard with image and ask students respond via virtual stickies. Use breakout rooms for Parts 4-6, groups making a hypothesis of artist's intentions and analyzing information about the art work and artist.
Tech Fun: Use Jamboard or Padlet to analyze painting; Google Tours to add people's ancestry lines add photos, descriptions, videos; Use Jamboard or Padlet to share answers to graphic organizer questions.
Associated Resources
Dean and Laura Beresford · Molly and Neal Brockmeyer · Vince and Colleen Caballero · Capital Group · David F. Eisenberg · The Georgina-Fredrick Children's Foundation · Christy McAvoy · Marleen and Bruce Rognlien · Robert E. Ronus · Brenda and Gary Ruttenberg · The Steinmetz Foundation · Virginia F. Stevenson · Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation
The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
Located northeast of downtown, across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions
Free parking for Autry visitors.
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DINING
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The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.