MAPPING MIGRATION - EXPERIENCING GEOGRAPHY THROUGH TRAVELERS DIARIES

Travelers' diaries are just one example of how primary documents can b e used to experience geography in the classroom. Involving students in people's lives is an effective way to interest students in geography. Students will discover how these travelers migrated across the Missou ri landscape, what modes of transportation they utilized, and the plac es they encountered along the way. This lesson focuses on people who t raveled through Missouri in the mid-1800s. State historical societies and local archives are excellent sources of travel diaries and journal s that can help your students experience geography and learn something about their own state in the process.