The Lewis & Clark Expedition

Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 The Lewis & Clark Expedition
Students start by making observations about an animated map of the territorial expansion of the United States until 1800. Then they learn about the Louisiana Purchase and identify two cause-effect relationships related to it. Next they analyze the Lewis and Clark expedition and Sacagawea’s role in it. Finally they research three topics and prepare short presentations on the Lewis and Clark expedition: the places they visited, the flora and fauna they documented, or the tribes that they met along the route.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

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Here are the teacher pack items for The Lewis & Clark Expedition:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students start by making observations about an animated map of the territorial expansion of the United States until 1800. Then they learn about the Louisiana Purchase and identify two cause-effect relationships related to it. Next they analyze the Lewis and Clark expedition and Sacagawea’s role in it. Finally they research three topics and prepare short presentations on the Lewis and Clark expedition: the places they visited, the flora and fauna they documented, or the tribes that they met along the route.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 4. Each group divides three tasks among the members.

If you have access to leveled readers that include stories about the Lewis & Clark expedition or Sacagawea, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 50-90 minutes, depending on how much time you want to give the groups for the research and short presentations in scene 4.

Vocabulary words:

  • finance
  • purchase
  • flora
  • fauna

Objectives

  • Analyze the impact of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • Evaluate the importance of the Lewis & Clark expedition.


Engage


George Washington served two terms as president. He accomplished many tasks in establishing the stability of the new government. He was followed by John Adams, who served only one term. President Adams made some unpopular moves and was not re-elected. In 1800 Thomas Jefferson was elected the third president of the United States. In this experience you will learn about two significant actions that President Jefferson took in expanding the nation westward: the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis & Clark expedition.

Objectives

  • Analyze the impact of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • Evaluate the importance of the Lewis & Clark expedition.


Click the animated map and watch to see how the United States grew between independence and Jefferson’s election in 1800.


animated map showing territorial expansion across the United States from July 4, 1776 to July 4, 1800

Make an observation about the map.


If students haven’t made the following observations, prompt them with questions:

  • The western edge of U.S. territory was the Mississippi River.
  • Some states gave up territory to the federal government.
  • Not all U.S. land was organized into states.
  • After independence there were still border disputes with Spain and Great Britain.

 

Ask students: What do you think the Americans knew about the land west of the Mississippi? Early explorers had sailed up the West coast, so the Americans probably knew that the land mass ended at the Pacific Ocean. Spanish explorers and French trappers had explored the interior, so they may have received additional information.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Westward Expansion to 1850 Unit.
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 Moving Westward
Moving Westward
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 The Lewis & Clark Expedition
The Lewis & Clark Expedition
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 The Arts and Nature
The Arts and Nature
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 The War of 1812
The War of 1812
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 Southern Plantations
Southern Plantations
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 Territorial Expansion
Territorial Expansion
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 Westward Expansion: Vocabulary
Westward Expansion: Vocabulary
Social Studies American History Westward Expansion to 1850 Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
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