U.S. History: Western Expansion- Lewis and Clark Expedition

The students will experience a brief overview of Lewis and Clark’s travels west of the Mississippi River. The students will understand and recognize the importance of the accomplishments and adventures of the Lewis and Clark expedition that led to the expansion of the United States after the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. 

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
4.47
Detail the events, struggles, success and main people of the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase and map the routes across the continent, including the Corps of...
4.48
Use concrete words, phrases, and sensory details to convey the experiences of settlers on the overland trails to the West, including location of the routes; purpose of...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.6
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal precise actions,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.10
By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.7
Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.7
Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.3
Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker provides to support particular points.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.4
Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.6
Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English (e.g., presenting ideas) and situations where informal discourse is appropriate (e.g.,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
GLE 0401.1.1
Demonstrate knowledge of Standard English usage, mechanics, and spelling.
GLE 0401.1.2
Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0401.2.1
Continue to develop oral language skills necessary for communication.
GLE 0401.3.2
Write in a variety of modes and genres (e.g., narration, description, personal expression, imaginative writing, response to literature, response to subject...
GLE 0401.6.1
Apply skills and strategies to comprehend informational texts.
SPI 0401.1.12
Select appropriate antonyms, synonyms, and homonyms within context.
SPI 0401.1.13
Recognize and use grade appropriate vocabulary within context.
SPI 0401.2.1
Identify the main idea and supporting points of a speech.
SPI 0401.3.8
Select appropriate time-order or transitional words to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0401.6.6
Use available text features (e.g., graphics and illustrations) to make meaning from text.
SPI 0401.7.2
Identify the main idea in a visual image.
SPI 0401.8.6
Identify and interpret similes and metaphors.
TSS.ELA.4.FL.SC.6
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when speaking and conventions of standard English grammar and usage, including...
TSS.ELA.4.FL.WC.4
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when encoding words; write legibly.
TSS.ELA.4.RI.IKI.7
Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it...
TSS.ELA.4.RI.IKI.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
TSS.ELA.4.RI.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and informational texts throughout the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.4.RL.IKI.7
Make connections between the print version of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the same text.
TSS.ELA.4.RL.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and poems throughout the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.4.SL.CC.3
Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker provides to support particular points.
TSS.ELA.4.SL.PKI.4
Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to...
TSS.ELA.4.SL.PKI.6
Recognize that different situations call for formal vs. informal English, and use formal English when appropriate.
TSS.ELA.4.W.TTP.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information.
TSS.ELA.4.W.TTP.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using an effective technique, such as descriptive details and clear event sequences.
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 
  • Students will remember and undertand the purpose of the Louisiana Purchase and recognize the long-term impact on the United States. 
  • Students will identify accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark expedition. 
  • Students will identify discoveries that were made during the Lewis and Clark expedition. 
  • Students will also demonstrate writing skills and recognize the importance of computer skills.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying

Helpful Hints

Primary Sources & Materials Used:

  • A map of the discoveries of Capt. Lewis & Clark from the Rockey [sic] Mountain and the River Lewis to the Cap of Disappointement [sic] or the Coloumbia [sic] River at the north Pacific Ocean / by observation of Robert Frazer.
  • History of the expedition under the command of Captains Lewis and Clark, to the sources of the Missouri, thence across the Rocky Mountains and down the river Columbia to the Pacific Ocean : performed during the years 1804-5-6 by order of the government of the United States / prepared for the press by Paul Allen ; in two volumes.
  • Lewis and Clark in the Rocky Mountains /
  • A map of Lewis and Clark's track across the western portion of North America, from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean : by order of the executive of the United States in 1804, 5 & 6 / copied by Samuel Lewis from the original drawing of Wm. Clark ; Neele, sculp. [see image above]
  • Chart paper, markers
  • Paper, pencil
  • Journal
  • Computer

Books:

  • Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President by Shirley Raye Redmond (New York: Random House, 2003)
  • Tennessee Through Time: The Early Years by Carole Stanford Bucy (Layton, UT: Gibbs Smith, 2008) [textbook]

Web site:

  • Lewis and Clark Internet Website Quiz