Sacagawea
by Judith St. George
Sacagawea provides the true-life account of the young Shoshone woman who acted as Lewis and Clark's guide on their expedition to the U.S. Northwest in 1805-1806. The author researched the journals of Lewis, Clark, and other members of the expedition to bring the story to life, but used her imagination to add the thoughts and emotions of Sacagawea.
Enrichment Activities
Discussion and Comprehension Questions1. What was the Journey of Discovery? What was its purpose?
2. Why did President Jefferson feel it was important to explore the western United States?
3. How did Sacagawea meet her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau? What was his occupation?
4. What role did Shoshone women have within their tribe?
5. What were some of the Shoshone traits? Physically? Emotionally?
6. Why did Lewis and Clark want to hire Sacagawea and her husband? How would they benefit the expedition?
7. What were Lewis and Clark's strengths and weaknesses as leaders of the expedition?
8. What kinds of medical treatments did they use to heal the sick on the expedition?
9. What kind of relationship did Sacagawea have with Lewis, Clark, and the other members of the expedition?
10. What kind of relationship did the men have with Toussaint Charbonneau?
11. By what means did the group travel to the Pacific Ocean?
12. How did they navigate their route?
13. What kinds of obstacles did they encounter?
Geography
Mark the progress, places, and events of the journey on a
large map of the Northwest, which includes North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington,
and Oregon. Compare the earth's surface and other formations since the expedition.
Model Building
Build a three-dimensional model of the Northwest and mark the trail Lewis
and Clark took on their expedition. Research certain points on their trail to
share with the class and discuss the original and modern names for rivers and
places. Make special markers for and a special map key explaining certain events
and situations.
Keeping a Journal
Write a journal from the perspective of a member of the journey.
Describe daily responsibilities, the weather, the food, the
wildlife, the difficulties overcame, the tribes encountered, and how
the expedition affected their life.
Internet Resources
The Oregon Trail
Grade Levels: Intermediate
All about the Oregon Trail, including the many instances of Native American kindness, and where Lewis and Clark failed.
http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Allabout.html
Biography of Sacagawea
A detailed biography of Sacagawea from PBS.
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/inside/saca.html