Review the importance of diaries that the pioneers placed upon them to preserve family history. They can do the same. Have them make precise measurements when they create the cover. Measure not only in standard measurement but also in metric measurement and then compare. With the help of parents or other relatives, students can complete a simple family tree.
Students can follow written or oral directions, and complete tasks in a sequence.
They can then write entries in their diaries based on these instructions. Borrow copies of actual overland diaries from the library. Have students read passages from these diaries to understand the overall idea of what was written and included in the diaries. They can then tell stories to younger children based on these diaries or possibly make up stories inspired by what they read in the diary. Discuss the vast changes in information processing since the days of the Oregon Trail when information was recorded in notebooks with pen and pencil.