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The Lewis and Clark Expedition

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 345
Subjects: historyela
Standards: HSS 5.8.2RI.4.1RI.4.3W.4.2
Languages: English, Spanish

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What's included

Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

Auto-graded

Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

Bilingual support

About this reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage introduces students to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a vital event in the story of America's westward expansion. Aligned to HSS 5.8.2 and RI.4.1, the passage describes how Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their Corps of Discovery explored the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase from 1804-1806. Students will learn about the goals of the expedition, the challenges faced, and the important encounters with Native American tribes. The passage also highlights scientific discoveries and the lasting impact of the journey. Included are activities such as quizzes, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline. Spanish translation and read aloud audio support diverse learners. This resource builds historical knowledge and literacy skills for elementary students studying early U.S. history.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

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?

New maps were madeThey found silverThey started a warThey built a new city

The journey took over two years. (True or False)

TrueFalse

What does 'expedition' mean?

A long journey with a purposeA kind of foodA mountainA boat

Common Core standards covered

RI.4.1

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

RI.4.3

Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

W.4.2

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.