Lesson 2: Lewis and Clark Expedition
Duration of Days: 1
Lesson Objective
Students will explain the purpose and outcomes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and analyze how it contributed to the exploration, mapping, and understanding of the western United States.
Why did Lewis and Clark explore the western territories, and what were their main goals?
How did the Lewis and Clark Expedition contribute to the mapping, understanding, and future settlement of the western United States?
Expedition
Territory
Corps of Discovery
Mapping
Exploration
8.Geo.11.a. Explain how Westward Expansion increased access to natural resources and the production and distribution of goods in a global market (e.g., agriculture, mining, canals, factories, rail, shipping).
In this lesson, students will explore the Lewis and Clark Expedition and examine its purpose, key events, and outcomes. They will analyze how the expedition contributed to the mapping, exploration, and understanding of the western United States, supporting westward expansion and access to natural resources. Using key vocabulary such as expedition, territory, and Corps of Discovery, students will engage with film and fact sheet resources to answer guiding questions, consider the expedition’s impact on future settlement, and demonstrate understanding through structured assessments.
To support all learners in this lesson, teachers can provide resources at multiple reading levels, including the fact sheet and film materials, so students can access the content in ways that match their reading and comprehension skills. Visual aids such as maps, diagrams, and images of the expedition can help students better understand geographic concepts and the route of Lewis and Clark, while guided graphic organizers and sentence starters can assist students in organizing their notes and responding to guiding questions. Students can demonstrate their understanding in different ways, including completing worksheets, creating a map of the expedition route, participating in small-group discussions, or presenting findings to the class. Peer collaboration and teacher support during activities ensure students who need extra guidance stay on track, while advanced learners can be challenged to analyze the expedition’s long-term impact on westward expansion, natural resource use, and trade. These strategies provide multiple pathways for students to engage with the lesson content and demonstrate their understanding.
Film Question Sheet Westward Expansion Lewis and Clark Expedition Fact Sheet