Bring Carole Estby Dagg's Historical Novel to Life Through Hands-On Learning

Immerse students in the Matanuska Colony resettlement with this comprehensive novel study that blends literature, Great Depression history, and practical STEM challenges. Perfect for homeschoolers (especially unit study families) and classroom teachers, this guide transforms reading into an interactive exploration of 1930s frontier life.

What's Included?

1. Historical Context Guide

• New Deal Context – Compare 1862 Homestead Act to 1935 resettlement
• Photo Analysis – Contrast 1935 Palmer, AK with modern images
• Recruitment Poster Study – Would students join the colony?

2. Vocabulary

• 25 Words with quotes

3. Character Development

4. Theme Exploration

5. Hands-On STEM Labs

• Pumpkin Growth Experiment – Test fish vs. milk fertilizer (using resources like Terpsichore!)

6. Cross-Curricular Projects

• Homestead Budget Math – Price 1935 supplies in today's dollars
• Mock Town Hall – Debate New Deal policies

6. Virtual Field Trips

• Alaska Museum Scavenger Hunt
• Library of Congress Photo Analysis

APPENDIX includes both real and historically accurate illustrative primary sources to practice analyzing documents.

Perfect For:

• Homeschoolers studying Great Depression or frontier life
• Teachers integrating ELA and social studies
• Project-based learning groups
• Kids who love hands-on history

Format: Printable PDF + Museum Links

More Than a Book - A Time Machine to 1935!
This study doesn't just teach about the Matanuska Colony - it lets students experience the challenges through science, math, and primary sources.

Get Your Copy & Journey to 1930s Alaska!

Here is just a glimpse of the objectives covered and met:

Grades 3-5

ELA (CCSS)

• RL.3-5.1: Cite text evidence (character journals)
• RL.4.3: Analyze character traits (Trip’s resilience)
• W.5.7: Research project (1930s farming methods)

Science (NGSS)

• 3-LS1-1: Plant life cycles (pumpkin experiment)

Social Studies (NCSS/C3)

• D2.His.3.3-5: Compare homesteading eras
• D2.Eco.1.4-5: New Deal economics (budget simulation)

Grades 6-8

ELA (CCSS)

• RL.6.6: Author’s purpose (why write about Matanuska?)
• SL.7.1: Socratic seminars (government’s role in survival)
• W.8.1: Argument essay (“Was the colony successful?”)

Science (NGSS)

• MS-LS2-1: Ecosystem interactions (fish fertilizer lab)

Social Studies (NCSS/C3)

• D2.His.14.6-8: Assess colonization’s legacy
• D2.Civ.10.7: Debate federal aid policies

Grades 9-10

ELA (CCSS)

• RL.9-10.7: Compare novel to primary sources
• WHST.9-10.9: Research FERA documents

Social Studies (NCSS/C3)

• D2.Eco.11.9-12: New Deal’s macroeconomic effects

Grades 11-12

ELA (CCSS)

• RL.11-12.3: Complex character analysis

Social Studies (NCSS/C3)

• D2.His.16.11-12: Critique “frontier” narratives