Hello Expanding Horizons students
We so excited for our first day of class this Thursday, September 7th. In preparation for a great first day of class please encourage your student to complete the following:
Read in History of Us Books the following three sections:
The New Nation:
-Meriwether and William- or Lewis and Clark
Liberty For All?:
-The Long Way West
-Riding the Trail to Santa Fe
For Extra Credit they can:
Watch Biography’s Lewis & Clark: Explorers of the New Frontier on Amazon Prime or for free on Youtube (with ads):
OR
Watch Ken Burns’ Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery if you have PBS passport or on Amazon:
https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/lewis-clark/
Ponder these Questions and Come Prepared to Discuss:
- Why did President Thomas Jefferson send Lewis and Clark West? What was he hoping they would discover? How did he hope it would help the new American nation?
- What skills were needed for the journey? How did their relationships with Native American tribes help Lewis and Clark?
- What were some important discoveries Lewis and Clark made? What impact did their successful expedition have on the trajectory of our country?
- What beliefs kept Americans from settling the Great Plains for so long?
- What event led to the creation of the Santa Fe trail? Why was Santa Fe so desirable to merchants? What were dog trains? What problem did they present to traders?
In addition, your student can start reading (if they haven’t yet) the book they have chosen for our westward expansion unit:
“I Am a Man”: Chief Standing Bear’s Journey for Justice By: Joe Starita
Or
Sacajawea By: Joseph Bruchac
We are so excited to learn together!