Cowboys’ JobsSubject Area: Social StudiesGrade Level: 11 (Westward Expansion)Lesson Objective: Students will be able to accurately describe a cattle drive and show knowledge of the different types of cowboy jobs and jargon used by cowboys in the West. Overview: Students will be introduced to job summaries and equipment used by cowboys in the West and plan a cattle drive. Lesson:1. Read the “Help Wanted” sign, and break down the hours, working conditions, and equipment needed.2. Discuss why cows had to be driven East, specific job titles, equipment used by cowboys, and how cattle drives occurred.3. Students will take a key leadership role in a cattle drive and apply their knowledge to planning a cattle drive.4. Students will use their maps from the previous day to show daily planning for a cattle drive from San Antonio, TX to Wichita, KS. Extension:1. Students will further develop mapping skills by using their maps from yesterday.2. Upon learning about pioneer lives in the next few days, students should be able to compare and contrast cowboys’ daily lives with that of pioneers.3. Students will be able to build upon this knowledge to understand the issues between ranchers and farmers and subsequent inventions (i.e. barbed wire, the need for western railroads).

Cowboys’ Jobs

Wanted: CowboyNeed a man to ride swing for a cattle drive to herd cattle from dawn to dusk and also 2 hour shift every night. Must provide own horse and tack and accept responsibility for all job hazards. Apply in person at the Tri-X Ranch.

Cowboys’ JobsPosition? _______________________

Starting Time: ___________________

Quitting Time: __________________

Extra shifts? ____________________

Job hazards? ____________________

____________________

Equipment? ____________________

Wanted: CowboyNeed a man to ride swing for a cattle drive to herd cattle from dawn to dusk and also 2 hour shift every night. Must provide own horse and tack and accept responsibility for all job hazards. Apply in person at the Tri-X Ranch.

WHY did they have to herd cattle?????

Cowboy Job TitlesLead or Point – 2 men ride on either side of

cattle to keep them headed in right direction

Swing and Flank – ride in pairs at intervals alongside herd

Drag – rode behind herd to hurry up stragglersRide Night – 2 hour shifts where pairs of riders

circled herd to look for predators

Cowboys’ Jobs

Cowboys’ EquipmentStetson hat-used to keep sun/rain off

Bandana- kept dust out of mouth/nose

Chaps – protected legs from brush

Lariat – lasso to rope cows

Boots – w/ heels to stay in stirrup straps

Spurs- urge horse on

Why are some of these words of Spanish origin?

Departure: San Antonio, TX Destination: Wichita, KSCattle Drive=600 MILES

1. Each one of you will fill a key position in the cattle drive. For an explanation of each position, see p. 519.

Trail Boss: ______________________

Segundo: _______________________

Cook: __________________________

Wrangler: _______________________

Cattle Drive

2. Each position is responsible for obtaining the needed items for the trip. On a notecard, please place your job title and the items necessary for your trip. The Trail Boss and the Segundo may work together as they would for these jobs. EXAMPLE: Trail Boss/Segundo – how many hands are needed for the number of cattle taken? Cook – estimate how much food to take, and what types of food (remember – no refrigeration!). Wrangler – how many horses are needed?3. Lastly, you will need to plan your trip on the map. In making these decisions, you will need to figure how fast you will be able to move each day. Please map out your camping position for the end of each day.

Cattle Drive