FREE Transcontinental Railroad Reading & Train Ticket Activity for 3rd–5th Grade

Bring California history and U.S. westward expansion to life with this engaging Transcontinental Railroad Reading & Train Ticket Activity, perfect for 3rd–5th grade social studies! Students begin with a beautifully written informational passage that explains how the railroad was built, who built it, the challenges workers faced, how it transformed travel, and how it changed life in California—including economic growth, migration, and impacts on Native communities.

After reading, students create their own Transcontinental Railroad train ticket, choosing a departure city, arrival city, dates, class, ticket price, railway company, and even adding a conductor’s signature. The instructions guide students through each step and include a labeled map showing the Central Pacific and Union Pacific routes.

This activity strengthens close reading, mapping skills, historical understanding, and real-world application—all while making history hands-on and fun. It is part of a full-year 4th Grade California History curriculum but works perfectly as a standalone lesson for grades 3–5.

✨ What’s Included (3 Pages)

• Informational text: The Transcontinental Railroad
  
• Step-by-step instructions for creating a train ticket
  
• Map of the railroad route (Central Pacific & Union Pacific)
  
• Printable train ticket template
  

📘 Standards Alignment

California 4th Grade Standards (Meets Core Requirements)

• 4.4.1: Understand the story and impact of the transcontinental railroad
  
• 4.4.2: Causes and effects of immigration
  
• 4.4.3: Growth of California’s economy
  
• 4.4.4: Multiple perspectives, including Chinese workers and Native Americans
  

C3 Framework (Grades 3–5)

• D2.His.1–4: Chronology, cause & effect, historical significance
  
• D2.Geo.2–3: Mapping human movement and settlement patterns
  
• D2.Eco.1: Economic decisions & trade
  
• D2.Civ.12: Understanding community and societal change
  

Common Core ELA Integration

• RI.3–5: Informational reading
  
• W.3–5: Constructing informational and creative writing
  
• SL.3–5: Discussion and explanation of choices
  
• L.3–5: Academic vocabulary (economy, railroad, immigrant, expansion)
  

🎯 Perfect For

• 3rd–5th Grade Social Studies
  
• 4th Grade California History
  
• Westward Expansion Units
  
• Reading + Social Studies integration
  
• Homeschool & Classroom use
  
• Early finishers, centers, or project day

*This activity is part of Stories in History's 4th grade California History full-year course. It can be added to the westward expansion unit in Early American History as well.