In the spring of 1803, Meriwether Lewis began to purchase scientific and mathematical instruments
Lewis and Clark as Naturalists
Grade Range: 3-12
Resource Type(s): Reference Materials
Date Posted:
6/17/2009
This online exhibition focuses on the natural history specimens that were collected by Lewis and Clark on their historic expedition. The site contains images of museum specimens, scientific drawings, and field photos of the plant and animal species observed and described by Lewis and Clark, along with journal excerpts, historical notes, and references for many of these examples as well as the date and location of observation. An interactive collection search allows students to search the specimens by species, date, location, or through the use of an interactive map. A teacher's guide includes standards-based lesson plans and activity ideas for grades 1-12 as well as vignettes that provide additional perspective on some of the plants that were described in the journals of the expedition members.
National Standards
United States History Standards (Grades 5-12)
Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
1: United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers and Native Americans
2: How the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed the lives of Americans and led toward regional tensions
3: The extension, restriction, and reorganization of political democracy after 1800
4: The sources and character of cultural, religious, and social reform movements in the antebellum period
2: How the industrial revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement changed the lives of Americans and led toward regional tensions
3: The extension, restriction, and reorganization of political democracy after 1800
4: The sources and character of cultural, religious, and social reform movements in the antebellum period
