Theme Teaching - Westward Expansion

Westward Expansion

This is a project assignment I give to my students while we are studying the westward expansion period in the US. People do have my permission to copy/adapt it to suit theirneeds....It's far from perfect, but I get good results from my students...It also helps with writing from different perspectives (often requested in our text-based prompts on our state tests).....The children view most (but usually not all) of the PBS film <Corps of Discovery> -- Ken Burns's production.

I then send them to web sites like the National Geographic site and others (I can send these if you think they would help, but they are easily found via search engines)..After immersing them in the time and theme, they are then given this assignment.

Date: _________________ Name: _____________________

Social Studies:

Lewis and Clark: The Corps of Discovery

You are hereby invited by our esteemed President, Thomas Jefferson, to become part of the Corps of Discovery! The Expedition is set to depart in 1804, so you must gather your gear and supplies quickly.

You will be among the first people to explore our new acquisition of the Louisiana Territory and lands beyond! The only requirement made by President Jefferson is that you maintain a journal of what you have seen, done, and felt. He wants to know all about your reactions to and knowledge of this trip.

As you begin your journal, consider the following questions:
On what part of the trip will you focus? (The trip down the Missouri River? The winter spent at Fort Mandan? Meeting the Shohone Indians? Crossing the Rockies? Arriving in Oregon? Return trip back to "civilization?") Think about what part of the trip you are able to write the most. Also, keep in mind the role you have on this expedition.

What will you include in your entry? (Will you tell about the muddy, swirling waters of the Missouri? Will you describe the swarms of mosquitoes and gnats? Will you laugh over the dancing with the Mandans? Will you marvel at Sacajawea’s skills as a guide? Will you describe the unusual antelope that roam the prairie? What about the unbelievable sight of thousands of buffaloes stampeding across the plains? Will you share with the President your description of the unusual, but cute, prairie dogs? ) Be certain you take excellent, thorough notes on your research journey! President Jefferson has high expectations!

GUIDELINES:

1. Choose on which part of the trip you will focus. Do additional research as necessary. Books will be in the classroom and groups will be assigned time online with several Lewis and Clark sites.
2. Refer to your graphic organizer for pictures and notes about what you have "seen." You may include pictures as an additional element to your journal. Indeed, illustrations may be needed depending on the subject covered.
3. A journal entry is a personal narrative. Follow the guidelines for a good personal narrative. Remember the qualities of good writing: sound ideas, solid organization, sentence fluency, wonderful word choice, correct conventions, and vivid voice!
4. You should include at least 5 different details in your narrative. They should relate to what you would have noticed or done in relation to your explorer’s role. Be specific and detail what you are writing about. Avoid making a list of things done and seen. Use your best descriptive writing practices----let us see, hear, feel, taste, smell as you do!
5. You should detail at least 3 days on the trail. Your entries must be a minimum of one page long (handwritten, not skipping lines). They may be longer if desired.
6. Remember to inject your personality in the journal piece. Think about the role you assume and relate to it. Remember, your audience is President Thomas Jefferson!
7. You will be evaluated on the following criteria:
A. Included 5 (or more) details from research. Details are thoroughly elaborated.
B. Evidence of research: include names, dates, events, findings, etc. from the real "Corps of Discovery." Your entries should be realistic.
C. Follows the criteria on the Delaware Writing Rubric
D. Quality effort
E. On time and followed directions

President Jefferson sends his regards and wishes you a safe journey! Do your best! Louisiana Territory, here we come!....L & C
Submitted by: Marcia Motley m2teach@email-removed
M. Motley, 1999
Marcia Motley
Capital School District
William Henry Middle School
School: (302)672-1620
School Fax: (302) 672-1633

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