Introduction
In this unit on the great American explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, students will follow the route of the Corps of Discovery across the new nation in 1804/06, meet other important people on the expedition, and learn about the American Indians that populated the West at that time.
Why did President Jefferson send the Corps of Discovery on their journey, what were they to look for, and how did they interact with the Indian nations they encountered?
This Lewis and Clark unit is an interesting, exciting, and visually engaging experience focusing on the expedition’s 2-year journey across America.
Students will explore the geography of the West and learn about the varied and rich cultures of the Native tribes who lived there. They will meet Sacagawea and York, explore artifacts, and participate in a multiplayer simulation along the expedition’s route.
A 9:16-minute long video featuring modern-day explorers Justin Fornal and Emiliano Ruprah will introduce students to Lewis and Clark’s journey. Another excellent video (14:10 mins) features fascinating stories and an analysis of the journey by renowned expert and author Clay Jenkinson. Supplemental, focused videos on the 2 Captains (Lewis and Clark), Sacagawea, Lewis’ dog Seaman, and York delve deeper for interested students.
Students will answer critical thinking questions on a graphic organizer, practice assessing primary sources and making an argument, and answer response and discussion prompts throughout. Extension readings on York, the only Black expedition member, are optional.
A lexile-aligned vocabulary is provided, along with games that will help students retain what they learn. Short quizzes that are standards-aligned and auto-graded are available for the teacher’s use in student assessment and reporting. And an interactive, multi-player game simulation will be an exciting final activity for the students.
In The Footsteps Of Lewis & Clark Has The Following Lessons And Activities:
This unit is scaffolded for elementary, middle, and high school levels. Readings are lexile-aligned, and videos and assignments are grade appropriate.
- Lewis and Clark Readings and accompanying quizzes
- Lewis and Clark Vocabulary
- Lewis Prepares for the Expedition
- Video: “In the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark”
- Video (scaffolded lengths): “The Corps of Discovery”
- Graphic Organizer: Video Notes
- Supplemental short videos: “The Captains”“Sacagawea”“York”“Seaman”
- Making an Argument Using Evidence Assignment
- Primary and Secondary Sources Practice
- Immersive, Multiplayer Simulation Game
- Final Unit Assessments / Teachers’ Keys
- Extension articles and reflection: York’s experience
In the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark should be used when your curriculum focuses on...
- • Manifest Destiny
- • Continental Divide
- • North American Geography
- • Thomas Jefferson
- • Louisiana Purchase
- • Westward Expansion
- • Northwest Passage
- • Sacagawea
- • Native Americans
- • US History
- • Exploration
- • Map Skills
- • American Frontier
- • Cultural Exchange