Activity: Journal Writing

Thomas Jefferson expected members of the expedition to keep careful and accurate journals. Have students pretend to be a member of the expedition. What would they write in their journals? 

Lead students in a discussion about the problems the members of the expedition might encounter on their journey. Some topics you might include are:

• The physical strain of walking, carrying loads, building the forts, etc.

• The mental strain of being away from home, fear, etc.

• Challenges the geography created

• Traveling upriver instead of down

• Getting over the Great Falls of the Missouri River

• Weather conditions: Snow, ice, heat, etc.

• Wild animals

• Mosquitos and other insects

Have students think about one problem the expedition members might face and write about it in their journals as if they were a member of the expedition themselves.

Add an art element to this project by having students create faux leather journal covers.

Alternative activity: Instead of journal writing, have students draw a picture and explain it to you, a peer, or the class.