From September to the end of October the Second and Third graders learned about the explorers who traveled across the United States to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean. One of the first things that students learned was that it was that a large part of the U.S. was bought in the Louisiana Purchase. They also learned that it was not as easy to travel in the 1800’s as it is to travel today. They then learned that the land that was now a part of the United States was not uninhabited, but that many many tribes of Indians lived on these lands. The student’s came up with ideas on what they would trade with the Indians to show that they were grateful for letting them travel through their lands. Students also learned that in order to survive living in the wilderness for two years, the Corp of Discovery had to hunt for food and during that time discovered species they had never seen before.

At the end of the Unit students made a packing list of what they would bring on the expedition if they were going and what they would wear.