Buffalo Bill Research Discovery Guide

Explore and be inspired by larger-than-life men and women who have impacted the shaping of America and the world.

In 5 short weeks, Blackbird & Company Research Discovery Guides will walk students through the process of studying a significant person from history and composing an original biographical essay.

By the time he was twelve, he was doing the work of a grown man as a cattle driver, camping under the stars each night. When he was caught in a buffalo stampede his horsemanship saved his life. Then he met wilderness scout Kit Carson who taught him how to read the language of the plains. When daredevil riders were needed to carry the mail on the new Pony Express, Bill was one of the first to sign up. Then the Civil War began and Bill went East to fight for Kansas.

Required book, not included: ?Buffalo Bill? by Ingri & Edgar Parin D'Aulaire (978-0-9643803-7-0)
Weeks 1 thru 3:
Each week students will explore rich vocabulary to describe the character traits exemplified by these historical figures.
Encounter observation questions designed to help students extract details that matter.
Be given the scaffolding to craft one body paragraph that will later become part of the culminating essay.

Week 4:
Students craft a simple introduction and conclusion, put these components together with the paragraphs constructed in weeks 1-3, and, voila, an essay!

Week 5:
Directives are given for creative, hands-on projects designed to tap into the student's imagination.