Before you begin, you and your partner will divide the research task.  One partner will research the Native Americans and one will research the French pioneers(mountain men and fur trappers). 

Step 1.
Each will complete the research on their group using the list of internet resources listed below.

French Resources-

French Pioneers and Life
French Early Settlers
At Home on the French Frontier
Mountain Men and The Fur Trade
Pioneer Crafts and Skills

Indian Resources-

Plains Indians 
Shawnee Tribes in Missouri
Indian Cultures***
Plains Indians and their Lives
Museum of Plains Indians

You will write your research on the form that is supplied below.  "Click" on the worksheet link below to print out a copy for your use.

Worksheet

Step 2.
Once you and your associate have completed the worksheet, you will use Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet to prepare an inventory list of what supplies and items you will stock your store with.  Work with your partner to determine barter prices for your items and create a price list using posterboard and markers to use in your store.  Use the definitions below to help you.
Barter-  To trade by exchanging one commodity for another. 
Barter Price-What each good will trade for in exchange for other items.

Step 3.
Next, use the "Paint" program from the accessories menu on your computer to design the floor layout of the inside of your trading post.  Determine where the items demanded most should be kept.  Use the drawing tools in "Paint" to create an image of how your store layout will look.  Use your creativity and when you are finished, click the "Print" button to make a copy to work from.  Hand it in with your research paper to your teacher when it is completed.

Step 4. 
Now you are almost ready to open your store.  With your partner's help, create your inventory by using various supplies given by your teacher and
set up your store according to your "layout."  Use the links below to learn about designing store layouts and to view layout examples.  Again, use creativity.  Once you have stocked your store with supplies, you are ready to open your business.  You and your partner will open and operate your store for 1 day.  Interact with Indians and Frenchmen(classmates) as they shop in your store.

Pronto Store Layouts

Step 5. 
After your first day of business, sit down and write a letter to your family in England talking about your experience with the "bartering system."  Explain to them in your letter what "bartering" means and write about its importance in a community that uses it.  Use Microsoft Word to create this document.