Lewis and Clark Expedition

How It Works: 
The students take a virtual cyber tour to learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition funded by Congress in 1803. Since this is the two hundredth anniversary of the expedition, the book Lewis and Clark On The Trail Of Discovery was read in the classroom. In one of the lessons the children each choose a topic from the story and fully investigate it, examples of topics are a keelboat, how to supply a camp, the Corps of Discovery or Sacagawea. They search for information using online search engines as well as CD-Rom encyclopedias, various websites and e-mail

Standards:
Uses writing processes effectively
Writes to communicate effectively
Constructs meaning from a wide range of tests
Explores on-line services as an information source
Uses compact discs as an information source
Uses math operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division


Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
 
6-8

Software Materials Used:
Computers with Internet connection
Lewis and Clark On The Trail of Discovery- A Museum In A Book by Rod Gragg, Publisher-Rutledge Hill Press.

Keywords:
Lewis and Clark, expedition, keelboat, Sacagawea, American history, Missouri River, Corps of Discovery, Oregon Territory, Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, Williams Clark, Teton Sioux, Native Americans, Mandan, Blackfoot, Nez Perce, Shoshone, Walla Walla

Students:
There are twenty-five students in my class. They are of various exceptionalities. Several of the lessons were performed in small groups which assisted those who needed extra help. Any group of students would be suitable for these lessons in fifth or sixth grade.

Overall:
The students enjoyed using the computers to learn more about Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea and her tribe. They researched boats, animals, guns, the Missouri River and other parts of the trek and felt as if they were part of the expedition.

Tips:
Have students do peer editing and work in small groups on the computers

About the Teacher: 
Ann Stephenson has been teaching fourth and fifth grades for fourteen years. She has been awarded numerous grants, including IMPACT II Disseminator and Adapter grants. She has been the coordinator of the Citibank FamilyTech program for eight years and is interested in expanding academics through the

Subjects:  
General Elementary & Math

Grade Levels: 
4 - 6

Email Ann
 

 

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