Exploration of a New Frontier

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Assignment #:

Lewis and Clark

Exploration of a “New Frontier”

In this activity we will explore what events took place that lead up to the secret government expedition of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. So far we have read from the textbook about the famous controversial purchase and secret expedition of Lewis and Clark. We are now going to take what we know and look at and analyze some other primary and secondary sources to go deeper into the exploration and the risks Thomas Jefferson took to “discover” the Louisiana Purchase territory. When we are done investigating you will use the information you have gathered to create a poster of events information regarding Lewis and Clark and the impact the Louisiana Purchase had on the United States, then and now.

First, as a whole group lets look at what we already have found out about the Purchase and the expedition. Below is a space for you take some notes as we brainstorm/discuss what we know.

Next, you and your group will now look at the information provided. You will analyze each piece of material and take notes. You have approximately 40-50 minutes to work on this part of the activity. Keep in mind that you are gathering information that will help you and your group create a poster explaining the Lewis and Clark expedition at the end of the fact finding mission. You may use and click on “Lewis and Clark Partner Activity” link to take you to the website I created to help with the fact finding.

Keep in mind the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions when gathering information. This will help you focus on the important material. How was this information important to the mission? Who was involved with this piece and how were they important to the expedition? Why/How was this plant or animal important then and now? When was the map drawn? What was the territory like then and what is it like now? Keep in mind Point of View (POV) and Bias. How is the person giving the information looking at the event or topic? Do they believe one way or another and how do you know?

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