On February 28, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson got approval by the Congress for an expedition to explore the uncharted lands of the west. Meriweather Lewis and William Clark and 31 other people began the journey which would take several years. Originally given $2,500, the final cost for this trip came to $38,000. Starting out on May 14, 1804, from St. Louis, Missouri, the crew left with a keelboat and two dugouts on the Missouri River and reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805.
Directions: |
Complete the "Lewis & Clark Expedition" handout individually as you work your way through the WebQuest.
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Steps and Links:
Before you get started on the journey, see how savvy you and your group members are. Answer the questions on this test to see if you would prepare adequately for your mission.
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Step 1: Once Lewis and Clark received permission from President Thomas Jefferson, they had to make many preparations for their trip, including food, clothing, scientific equipment, weapons, etc. Click the button to learn about these preparations. After you've explored the webpage, answer the questions on your handout under "Step One"
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Step 2: Lewis and Clark did not complete the expedition alone. They met an interesting group of people to help them along the way. Click the button to learn more about some of the people going on the expedition.
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Step 4: Clark brought along one of his slaves. To learn more about him, click the button.
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Step 5: Perhaps the most useful person was a Shoshone Indian woman. Click the button to see what contributions she made to the exploration.
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Step 6: Along the way, Lewis and Clark came upon many new plants and animals that they had never seen or heard of before. This link will give you information on one of the animals they were most interested in.
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Step 7: Lewis kept a detailed journal from his expedition. Read the excerpt from his February 2, 1806 journal entry on the linked page.
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Step 8: Click the button to watch a clip from the America: The Story of Us.
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Step 9: Discuss the last two questions with your table. Determine how best to answer the last two reflection questions.
IF TIME PERMITS...go back and attempt the quiz once more. See if you an earn an 80% or better!
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