Grade 4 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 7, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Oh, California

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 7, Lesson 2: The Railroad Is Born (pp. 168-171)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Change Theodore Judah found a transcontinental railroad route and construction began.

Discuss the vision, dream, and reality of Judah's proposal for the transcontinental railroad. Have students look closely at Judah's hand-drawn map on p. 169. Ask what the details of the map show about Judah's vision and dream (careful planning). Discuss what happened to his dream once he and the Big Four began construction.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students write an obituary for Theodore Judah telling about his life's work.
Have students draw a symbolic poster of "Judah's Dream." It should reflect Judah's dream to construct a transcontinental railroad.

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