Go West, Young Men

by

Keith Miller
edited by Janice Friesen
With Updated links by Grace Peimann
Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

Washington D.C., June 20, 1803

To Meriwether Lewis Esquire,

Captain of the first regiment of infantry of the United States of America.

"The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River & such principal stream of it as by it's course and communication with the waters of the Pacific ocean, wether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado, or any other river may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent for the purpose of commerce."
 
 

President Thomas Jefferson started the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 - 1806 with these words. The Corps of Discovery would go down as one of the most important and couragous journeys in modern times.


The Task
  • During this lesson your group will produce a travel brochure detailing events from the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You will be presenting to the President of the United States of America. Your group's presentation will detail the way the American West was in the early 1800's. Your group will consist of 3-4 people who will each research one particular part of the journey and present their area of expertise to the President. You will become one of the individuals named below and will also complete tasks based on who you are.
  • Meriwether Lewis
  • William Clark
  • Sacagewea
  • York
  • Seaman, the dog

Resources

Resources can be found on each person's page that relate to the task for that person.

Here are some other web resources for you to use:


The Process

1.  First you'll be assigned to a group of 3-5 students.
2.  Once you've picked a role to play, begin by reading the task assigned to your character and start your research.
3.  Be sure to stick to the deadlines as given by your teacher.
 
 


Evaluation

Your group will be evaluated according to the following scoring guide.


Conclusion

You should have a better understanding of the principle participants in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and their importance to Missouri history.

Last updated October 31, 2002

Based on a template from The Webquest Page.