Lewis and Clark Web Quest – A Journey to a New Frontier

IntroductionIn the years following the American Revolution, Americans were looking to expand their country. TheUnited States consisted of only 17 states by the early 1800’s, and with the population increasing andnatural resources decreasing, many people were looking to the west, which was largely uninhabited andstill pristine in nature. In 1803, the territory between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains wasceded in ownership from Spain to France. When United States President Thomas Jefferson, who wasinterested in obtaining control of New Orleans and its port, learned of this trade – sent James Monroe toFrance to aid American Robert Livingston in negotiating the purchase of New Orleans with France’sleader, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Napoleon, who needed money to wage war between France and Great Britain, agreed to sell not only theland around the city of New Orleans, but also the Louisiana Territory for $15 million. After littledeliberating, Monroe and Livingston accepted the offer and the purchase of the land known as Louisianawas made. With this amazing acquisition, the United States doubled in size, adding 830,000 square milesand untold abundance of fertile farmland and natural resources.

The addition of this new land brought great opportunity for Americans. Thomas Jefferson and Congressneeded the land mapped out and resources documented. In the spring of 1804, Meriwether Lewis, andWilliam Clark headed the exploration, traveling up the Mississippi River and west to the Pacific Ocean.Along the way, the explorers made note of the native tribes, animal specimens, and useful plants theyencountered. They also made a map of the rivers, mountains, and passes they navigated their waythrough.

TaskYou have traveled back in time and will be accompanying Lewis and Clark on their journey! Your task onthis journey is to assume the role of:

* Map Maker * Native Tribes Specialist * Plant Specialist * Animal Specialist * Supply Person *

You will create a journal to present all the information from your research.

ProcessResearch the following information and remember to write your research as journal entries includingpictures and diagrams (Just like Lewis and Clark did!).

Anthropologist:(Study of Native Americans you will encounter on the journey.)

• Where do they live?• What do they eat?• Who or what do they worship?• Are they friendly? Why or why not?• Did they receive U.S. relations well?

Geographer:(Map out the regions you travel, and the route you take through the country. In your journal entry, be sureto discuss the significance of the route, difficulties along the way, and any other important information.)

• Draw the route taken both ways on a map of the United States (teacher will provide map)• Label 2-3 winter camps.• Draw and label the north and south forks of the Missouri River.• Label the Continental Divide.• List the total mileage of the trip.

Botanist:(Study the plant life you encounter on the journey and document any new discoveries.)

• Find 2 plants unknown to U.S. scientists before 1803. Draw pictures and describe each one’senvironment. Label it’s scientific name, family, and species.

• Write a general description of what kinds of plants were different than those in the east and why youthink that is.

Zoologist:(Study the animals you encounter on the journey and document any new discoveries.)

• Find 2 animals unknown to U.S. scientists before 1803. Draw pictures and describe each one’senvironment. Label it’s scientific name, family, and species.

• Write a general description of what kinds of animals were different than those in the east and why youthink that is.

Supply Master:(Determine what supplies will be needed for the journey and why.)

• Write a list of supplies you purchased before leaving and why you needed them.• What kinds of food could be taken with you, and how did you provide for them later?• Explain your method of food preservation.• Describe 2 medical problems that arose during the journey and how they were handled.• List some supplies that were not needed and impeded the journey.

Resources:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/lewis_clark/prepare.htmhttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/http://lewisclark.net/http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/http://www.lewis-clark.org/http://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/http://www.history.com/topics/lewis-and-clarkhttp://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/lewisandclark1.htmhttp://www.ducksters.com/biography/explorers/lewis_and_clark.phphttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/ (Have fun playing this game!)

Evaluation:

Objectives Exemplary - 10 Accomplished - 8 Basic - 5 Score

Organization

Information is wellorganized withheadings and labeledillustrations anddiagrams

Information is groupedtogether with someheadings / labeledillustrations anddiagrams

Information is out oforder and severalheading and labelsmissing

Quality ofInformation

Information answersthe main idea of allquestions and containsseveral supportingdetails

Information relates toquestions but is simpleand offers littlesupporting details

Information does notrelate to the questionspresented in the“Process” section.

Completion

All questions in the“Process” section areanswered in detail

Some questions in the“Process” section areanswered in detail

Only one or twoquestions in the“Process” section areanswered in detail

Creativity

Journal cover has acatchy title that peaksthe interest of thereader. Overall layoutof the journal isvisually pleasing andhas “pizzazz”

Journal cover has atitle. Overall layout isorganized, but lacks“pizzazz”

Either incomplete ormissing title on coverof journal. Work withinjournal appears rushedand is difficult to read

Informative

All journal entries areaccurate andsupported with data

Most journal entriesare accurate and someentries are supportedwith data.

Facts in the journalentries are inaccurate

Student Name: Total Points: / 50