This is a scavenger hunt using task cards that analyzes the United States westward expansion during the Manifest Destiny period and the displacement of the Native Americans during this time which is studied in the 7th grade curriculum under the following standards:

• 7.6 Driven by political and economic motives, the United States expanded its physical boundaries to the Pacific Ocean between 1800 and 1860. This settlement displaced Native Americans as the frontier was pushed westward.
• 7.6a Conflict and compromise with foreign nations occurred regarding the physical expansion of the United States during the 19th century. American values and beliefs, such as Manifest Destiny and the need for resources, increased westward expansion and settlement.
• 7.6b Westward expansion provided opportunities for some groups while harming others.

This resource begins by challenging students with a mission, complete the tasks to solve the mystery word and four digit code to travel westward to California to try to strike it rich in the Gold Rush; failure will result in potentially perishing along the way due to disease, food shortages, conflicts with the Native Americans, etc. Check out the preview to see what each task card entails. Students will need to walk around the room reading the task cards. Each task card has a code word on the bottom which is the answer to the question/fill in the blank. The answer will NOT be found on that same task card. For example, the answer to task card #1 is found by reading the passage on task card #8. Students MUST record which task card they found the answer on in their answer sheet under the “FOUND CARDS #” column. That column will be used at the end for the 4 digit lock code. They will follow the clues to find the correct 4 digit code. Once they have completed the scavenger hunt they will receive a half sheet of paper stating that they have made it to California and struck it rich during the Gold Rush!

This activity would be a great review before assessments, as a center activity, a group activity, etc. Students will be engaged with the learning while having a fun time trying to solve all of the clues!