Grade 8
History/Social Science
Standard 8.8

Students analyze the divergent paths of the American people
from 1800 to the mid-1800's and the challenges they faced,
with emphasis on the West.


 
Resources
Lesson Plans
Assessments
Video:

PBS Presentation of 
Lewis and Clark

Thomas Jefferson

Internet:

http://www.pbs.org/
lewisandclark/inside/
saca.html

http://www.pbs.org/
weta/thewest/wpages/
wpgs400/w4sacaga.htm
Previously Published Data

1.) Students will work in small groups selected by the teacher. Each group will work together to produce one historically accurate magazine featuring Lewis and Clark and their expedition. Include the following:

  • Challenges and obstacles 
  • Purpose for expedition 
  • Maps 
  • Background on Louisiana Purchase
  • First-hand experience of crossing the U.S. 
  • Describe the Indian tribes met along the way and their encounters with expedition 
  • Tell about William Clark, Meriwether Lewis, Sacajawea and slave York, Mandan and Shoshone

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    2.) For background information, students will answer Who, What, Where, When, and Why.

    3.) Students will complete research through exploring Internet links and related research materials such as textbooks, encyclopedias, library books, and CD-Roms.

    4.) Articles will include pictures, actual photos, or maps.

    5.) Students will choose one of the following editorial topics: 

  • The importance of this expedition to America.
  • My most admired member of the expedition.
  • Jefferson: A Deal or A Swindle? The controversy over the land purchase. 
  • The most important discoveries of the expedition
  • Then and now: What has happened to that land in 200 years?

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    6.) Proofread, edit, and produce a final copy. Take the articles and editorials from each person in the group and assemble them into a magazine with graphics and a cover.

    Previously Published Data

    Students will be evaluated using a rubric developed with the class based on completion and performance in the following areas:

    1. Background knowledge - 5 Ws 

    2. Research Journal 

    3. Written articles and editorial

    4. Format quality and appealing use of maps, graphics, and illustrations