Launch Activity
Start this unit off by asking students what they know about the Lewis and Clark Expedition before allowing them to see any resources, books, etc. Make a KWL chart, filling in the K and W parts of the chart with what they already know or think they know (K) and questions on what they would like to know (W). The L part can either be filled in with what they learn as you go through the unit or can be filled in at the end of the unit depending on the time you have available.
After the chart is done for now, pass out books, pictures, and other resources that you have collected. Allow students time to just look through these resources so that their minds are stimulated. Begin talking about how you, as a group, are going to be exploring the American West with Lewis and Clark by reading what a young boy wrote in his journal as he traveled with Lewis and Clark.
If students ask any new questions about the expedition during discussion or while reading the book, have the student either: jot it down for now until you can get to the KWL chart to record their question or spend the time to write their question on the chart at that time. It all depends on your time and circumstances at the moment.
As an addition to this Launch, you may read Seaman's Journal: On the Trail with Lewis and Clark. All kids love reading stories from an animal's point of view and they will most likely point out some of the bigger points or discoveries in their main book that are also mentioned in Seaman's Journal.