OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific is offering teachers a packet of free resources to help them explain the importance of the transcontinental railroad.

The resources were put together as part of the railroad's celebration of its 150th anniversary.

The resources are designed to help teachers meet national standards for teaching about history and social studies in elementary and middle school.

The kit explains some of the challenges the railroad industry faced as it build the transcontinental railroad. The project began in 1862 after Abraham Lincoln signed the law that created Union Pacific and authorized construction. The transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.

Teachers who want the free resources need to fill out a form on the railroad's website, http://bit.ly/P8oPUd .

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Online:

Union Pacific history: www.up150.com