Correspond with old west characters of the 1850s to get an authentic picture of pioneer life in the Old West. This simulation unit takes you on a cowboy's journey from St. Louis to the Pacific coast-just as it would have occurred in the last century-through the cowboy's and other characters' letters and a variety of hands-on activities. Maps, directions, reading lists, bibliographies, and diagrams enhance the lessons. Letters that can be sent to students via e-mail are included on IBM-compatible and Mac disks for the computer-equipped classroom. Grades 4-8.