Food Sacks and a Low Tool Box
Two short texts describe packing food and tools for covered wagon trips west in the 1800s.
Play the quiz as a gameLong ago, in the 1800s, some families in the United States went west in covered wagons. A wagon could not hold everything. These two texts show how families chose what to pack.
Text One has the heading “Food for the Trip.” Families packed flour and dried beans. They used flour to make bread. Food had to last for many days. They packed blankets for cold nights, too.
A drawing shows sacks beside a wagon. Its caption says, “Food takes up room.” Families left big tables behind to make space for food.
Text Two has the heading “Tools for the Trip.” Families packed tools to fix wagon wheels. A broken wheel could slow a trip. They packed flour and blankets, too. Heavy tools went low in the wagon to help keep it steady, so it would not tip.
A drawing shows a tool box on the wagon floor. Its caption says, “Keep heavy things low.” Families left big tables behind so the load would not be too heavy. Both texts show that packing meant making choices.