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Amazing Discoveries of Lewis and Clark — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging reading passage teaches students about the amazing journey and discoveries of Lewis and Clark following the Louisiana Purchase. Students will learn about the challenges faced by the expedition, their interactions with Native American tribes, and the important role of Sacagawea. The passage is written to support literacy and history learning, using clear, simple language and grade-appropriate vocabulary. Activities include a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a timeline of key events. Students can deepen their understanding with a graphic organizer. The passage aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, supporting both historical knowledge and reading comprehension. Read aloud audio and a Spanish translation are included to support diverse learners. This resource is ideal for building foundational knowledge about early U.S. exploration and westward expansion.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Detail Lewis & Clark at Three Forks" by Edgar Samuel Paxson / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was an important journey in American history. In 1803, the United States bought a huge area of land called the Louisiana Purchase. President Thomas Jefferson wanted to learn more about this new land. He asked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead an expedition west.

In May 1804, Lewis, Clark, and their team set out from St. Louis, Missouri. Their group was called the Corps of Discovery. There were 33 people, including soldiers, boatmen, and one African American named York. Their goal was to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean, map the land, and make scientific discoveries. They also wanted to build good relationships with Native American tribes.

The journey was hard. The group traveled by boat up the Missouri River. They faced strong currents, wild animals, and rough weather. They had to carry heavy supplies and keep careful records of what they saw. Lewis and Clark drew maps and wrote about new plants and animals.

Along the way, the Corps met many Native American tribes. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, joined the group as a guide and interpreter. She helped them talk to tribes and find food. Her help was very important, especially when they crossed the Rocky Mountains. The group traded with Native peoples and learned from their knowledge of the land.

After a long and dangerous trip, Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. They built a fort and spent the winter there. In spring 1806, they returned to St. Louis. The whole trip took over two years and covered about 8,000 miles.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition brought back important maps, drawings, and notes. They described more than 100 new animals and plants. Their journey helped open the West for future settlers. It showed that working together and learning from others could help people solve big problems.

Interesting Fact: The Corps of Discovery lost only one member during the whole expedition, even though the journey was very dangerous.

Who were the leaders of the expedition?

Lewis and ClarkJefferson and YorkSacagawea and YorkMeriwether and Sacagawea

What was the Corps of Discovery?

The team on the expeditionA Native tribeA group of soldiersA kind of boat

Where did the expedition begin?

St. Louis, MissouriNew York CityWashington, D.C.San Francisco

Why did President Jefferson send Lewis and Clark?

To learn about new landTo fight a warTo build a cityTo meet the president

How did Sacagawea help the group?

She guided the groupShe built the boatsShe wrote the mapsShe cooked all the food

What was one result of the expedition?