Over the next few weeks, our class will be learning about the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition. To help students better understand this important time in American history, we are working on a hands-on social studies project called Lewis and Clark Explorer Trunks.

What Are Explorer Trunks?

Students are creating small “explorer trunks” to represent what Lewis and Clark would have needed on their journey west. Using classroom craft materials, students are building items that show how explorers traveled, survived, and explored new land. Each item placed in the trunk connects to our learning and has a purpose related to the expedition.

This project encourages students to think critically about life in the early 1800s and the challenges explorers faced as they traveled through unfamiliar territory.

What Are Students Learning?

Through this project, students are developing an understanding of why Thomas Jefferson acquired the Louisiana territory, how the size of the United States changed, and why Lewis and Clark were sent to explore the new land. They are also learning about the important role Sacagawea played during the expedition and how Native Americans helped and interacted with the explorers. They are also exploring the challenges of travel and survival during this time period.

Connecting History and Writing

Along with building their explorer trunks, students are completing a journal-style writing activity where they imagine what life may have been like during the expedition. This writing helps students reflect on their learning, practice using social studies vocabulary, and make connections between historical events and daily life.