Students in 5th grade study US history to the 1850’s. Part of their curriculum is to discuss the experiences of settlers on the overland trails to the West: the terrain, rivers, vegetation, climate, and life in the territories at the end of the trails. The wagon train adventure transports today’s students from textbook learning to experiencing a bit of the hardship early pioneers endured coming to California. District superintendents were asked to select students for this opportunity and to obtain permission from parents for this unusual and highly educational adventure.

I. The Art and Science of mule handling and wagon driving
-- Students learn how to drive a mule-drawn covered wagon.
-- Students learn how to tend the mules, i.e. feed, water, hitch up, harness.
-- Students learn the different parts of a wagon and how they inter act.

II. Wagon Train Math
-- Given only the radius of a wagon wheel, students will calculate the distance traveled each day.

III. Searching for Fresno County’s pioneers
-- Armed with the first Census of Fresno County (1860), students will perform a pioneer demographic study (who was living in Fresno County at the time and where did they come from).

IV. Campfire Activities
-- Tales from the trail: local lore from Fresno County.
-- Group sing-alongs.
-- Ceremonial signing of the “Book of Remembrance” each night.

V. Floral and Oral Graveyard Tribute
-- Students will visit various cemeteries to pay homage to local pioneers.