Lewis and Clark Web Quest – A Journey to a New Frontier
Introduction
In the years following the American Revolution, Americans were looking to expand their country. The
United States consisted of only 17 states by the early 1800’s, and with the population increasing and
natural resources decreasing, many people were looking to the west, which was largely uninhabited and
still pristine in nature. In 1803, the territory between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains was
ceded in ownership from Spain to France. When United States President Thomas Jefferson, who was
interested in obtaining control of New Orleans and its port, learned of this trade – sent James Monroe to
France to aid American Robert Livingston in negotiating the purchase of New Orleans with France’s
leader, Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon, who needed money to wage war between France and Great Britain, agreed to sell not only the
land around the city of New Orleans, but also the Louisiana Territory for $15 million. After little
deliberating, Monroe and Livingston accepted the offer and the purchase of the land known as Louisiana
was made. With this amazing acquisition, the United States doubled in size, adding 830,000 square miles
and untold abundance of fertile farmland and natural resources.
The addition of this new land brought great opportunity for Americans. Thomas Jefferson and Congress
needed the land mapped out and resources documented. In the spring of 1804, Meriwether Lewis, and
William 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 they
encountered. They also made a map of the rivers, mountains, and passes they navigated their way
through.
Task
You have traveled back in time and will be accompanying Lewis and Clark on their journey! Your task on
this 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.
Process
Research the following information and remember to write your research as journal entries including
pictures and diagrams (Just like Lewis and Clark did!).
Anthropologist:
(Study of Native Americans you will encounter on the journey.)
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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 sure
to discuss the significance of the route, difficulties along the way, and any other important information.)
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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.)
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Find 2 plants unknown to U.S. scientists before 1803. Draw pictures and describe each one’s
environment. 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 you
think that is.
Zoologist:
(Study the animals you encounter on the journey and document any new discoveries.)
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Find 2 animals unknown to U.S. scientists before 1803. Draw pictures and describe each one’s
environment. 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 you
think that is.
Supply Master:
(Determine what supplies will be needed for the journey and why.)
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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.htm
http://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-clark
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/lewisandclark1.htm
http://www.ducksters.com/biography/explorers/lewis_and_clark.php
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/ (Have fun playing this game!)
Evaluation:
Objectives
Organization
Quality of
Information
Completion
Creativity
Informative
Student Name:
Exemplary - 10
Information is well
organized with
headings and labeled
illustrations and
diagrams
Information answers
the main idea of all
questions and contains
several supporting
details
All questions in the
“Process” section are
answered in detail
Journal cover has a
catchy title that peaks
the interest of the
reader. Overall layout
of the journal is
visually pleasing and
has “pizzazz”
All journal entries are
accurate and
supported with data
Accomplished - 8
Information is grouped
together with some
headings / labeled
illustrations and
diagrams
Information relates to
questions but is simple
and offers little
supporting details
Basic - 5
Information is out of
order and several
heading and labels
missing
Some questions in the
“Process” section are
answered in detail
Only one or two
questions in the
“Process” section are
answered in detail
Either incomplete or
missing title on cover
of journal. Work within
journal appears rushed
and is difficult to read
Journal cover has a
title. Overall layout is
organized, but lacks
“pizzazz”
Most journal entries
are accurate and some
entries are supported
with data.
Score
Information does not
relate to the questions
presented in the
“Process” section.
Facts in the journal
entries are inaccurate
Total Points:
/ 50