In this unit, we will explore these essential questions:

How did MN become a territory and state?

What were the key events, individuals, and groups involved in the process?

Activity 1: How did St. Paul become a city?

View this video to learn how St. Paul became a city.

Pair Share: How did the Mississippi River affect the city? How did the Mississippi River change?

Activity 2: How did Minnesota become a state?

First, write what you already know about Minnesota becoming a state.

Next, view this video from America's Library to learn how Minnesota became a state.

Quickwrite: What names did you hear? What questions do you have?

Pair Share

Activity 3: Learning about primary and secondary sources.

Watch this brief video about using Primary and Secondary Sources in research.

Start a list of primary sources and secondary sources. View the video again to add to your list.

Add to your list of primary sources and secondary sources.

Class discussion: What are the advantages of primary sources compared to secondary sources.

Activity 4: Who were the key players involved in Minnesota becoming a territory and a state?

Each student or pair of students will research a person who played a significant role in Minnesota becoming a territory and a state.