Westward Expansion Hexagonal Thinking Activity | Primary Source Analysis PSA

Bring Westward Expansion to life with this high-engagement Hexagonal Thinking activity designed to pair with Primary Source Analysis: Westward Expansion – Was it a Time of Development or Disaster?
This resource helps students move beyond memorization and into deep historical thinking, as they make connections between events, perspectives, and consequences of Westward Expansion.
WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO
Students will:
- Build a web of connected ideas using hexagon cards
- Justify their thinking through discussion and writing
- Explore multiple perspectives (settlers, Native Americans, miners, immigrants, etc.)

WHAT’S INCLUDED
- ✔ 90+ Hexagonal Thinking Cards (terms, concepts, people, events)
- ✔ Student Connection Starters (discussion & writing support)
- ✔ Student Reflection Worksheet
- ✔ Teacher Directions (with step-by-step instructions)
SKILLS BUILT
- Critical thinking
- Historical analysis
- Cause & effect reasoning
- Perspective-taking
- Academic discussion & writing
PERFECT FOR:
- Middle School & High School US History
- Primary Source Analysis (PSA) lessons
- Westward Expansion units
- Discussion-based classrooms
- Pre-writing for essays or DBQs

WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS
This activity naturally leads students to:
- Make meaningful connections
- Engage in rich academic conversations
- Support claims with evidence-based reasoning
No two groups will have the same layout—making every discussion unique and powerful.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE
This resource is affiliated with, endorsed by, and connected to the Primary Source Analysis: Westward Expansion – Was it a Time of Development or Disaster? materials, and is designed as a companion activity to support deeper student understanding.