Lesson Plan 1
Divide students into two groups: The boomers/poor independent farmers, and Native Americans. Have each group discuss and create an argument/proposal to the American government highlighting at least three citable reasons for or against the opening of the territory for settlement (dependent on one's group, of course). Have each group elect a representative for each reason to present their arguments to the government. Afterwords discuss the validity of each claim to see which ones "ring true" for the students.