Natural wonders...Don't rain on my parade...
Some of the expedition's greatest challenges did not come from unfriendly Indians or disgruntled grizzlies, but from Mother Nature herself. Along their journey, Lewis and Clark were met by raging rivers, steep cliffs, torrential downpours, and blizzarding snowstorms. The natural landscape and weather forced the Corps to think quickly and decisively. Below, you will examine how these issues factored into the expedition's plans.
SS.8.A.1.7: View historic events through the eyes of those who were there as seen through their art, writing, music and artifacts.
Task: The Elements
Although the climate provides different challenges throughout our country, modern conveniences have made life much more bearable. Air conditioning and heating units keep our homes comfortable, while warm jackets and cool tank tops keep us feeling good no matter what it's like outside.
Lewis and Clark could only wish they had it so easy. Instead, they faced brutal winters of temperatures well below zero and a terrain that is still difficult to cross today. Their trip was TOUGH! For this task, you are going to analyze the journal entries and images below to get an idea of the challenges they faced. Afterwards, you will need to come up with a list of items you would need in order to survive BACK THEN (that means no modern day technologies like smartphones, navigation systems, Range Rovers, etc.)! You'll need to compile a list of items and provide justification for them when you complete your assignment.
Lewis and Clark could only wish they had it so easy. Instead, they faced brutal winters of temperatures well below zero and a terrain that is still difficult to cross today. Their trip was TOUGH! For this task, you are going to analyze the journal entries and images below to get an idea of the challenges they faced. Afterwards, you will need to come up with a list of items you would need in order to survive BACK THEN (that means no modern day technologies like smartphones, navigation systems, Range Rovers, etc.)! You'll need to compile a list of items and provide justification for them when you complete your assignment.
Unknown Terrain
View of the Rocky Mountains
Journal entries discussing the first time viewing the Rocky Mountains (left) and choosing a river without knowing where it leads (right).
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Unpredictable Weather
Fort Mandan, North Dakota in winter - Courtesy of http://history.nd.gov
Journal entries discussing bad weather conditions in the West.
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Follow this link for a list of supplies the Corps of Discovery took with them as they started off:
Equipping the Expedition
(HINT: This link will come in handy when completing this task!)
Equipping the Expedition
(HINT: This link will come in handy when completing this task!)
- Read each journal entry, discuss what you REALLY need to survive.
- After coming to a consensus, list at least 8 items that you think would be essential to surviving the natural elements that Lewis and Clark faced during their expedition.
- For each item listed, you must write one sentence providing a well-reasoned justification (explanation) for bringing this item with you. Remember, you would have to carry all these items with you, so make sure the weight is worthwhile!
- Title this entry "The Elements"