by Zoe Hodenfield, Longfellow Elementary School
Standards
North Dakota State Standards
G.3_5.8 Analyze patterns of human settlement in North America
G.3_5.6 Explain how United States regions are created from common physical and human characteristics
H.3_5.6 Describe multiple causes and effects of contemporary global events and developments in relation to the United States.
Time
45 – 60 minutes
Technology Required
Device with web-browser – Chromebook, laptop or desktop computer to play game.
Teacher will need either a projector/ smart board to show pictures OR will need to print the images to distribute OR share a link to students to see on their own devices.
NOTE: The slides presentation refers to a specific curriculum, TCI, which may not be available at your school, but alternate curriculum can be substituted.
Summary
Students observe and discuss changes in the geography and society of the U.S. through 1806. They read passages on the U.S. in the late 18th and early 19th century, discuss with a partner and brief knowledge checks. The lesson culminates with a game that teaches about scientific knowledge along the trail.
📚Lesson
Start with this Google Slides presentation which includes images for activities and instructions to students. It uses the TCI curriculum materials but the slides can be copied and modified. Template slides for drag and drop activities are included.
- Anticipatory set: Set up the lesson by having students look at an image in the presentation, an artist’s representation of the expedition, and give their initial reactions.
- Class discussion: Students look at two different maps and share their observations about each one.
- Individual reading: Students read a passage on the United States in 1783.
- Individual knowledge check: Students drag and drop events in order.
- Partner activity: Students read a passage on the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- Partner knowledge check: Students drag and drop events in order.
- Individual interactive media: Students play the game: You Are Here: On the Lewis & Clark Trail. This game teaches about the scientific contributions made by Merriwether Lewis and William Clark, as well as the scientific knowledge of the Native American communities they visited along the trail.
