Learn on PengiPengi Social Studies (Grade 5)Chapter 8: Westward Expansion

The Louisiana Purchase and Exploration

In this Grade 5 Pengi Social Studies lesson from Chapter 8: Westward Expansion, students learn how the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 nearly doubled the size of the United States and why it was a turning point in American history. The lesson covers the Lewis and Clark expedition, known as the Corps of Discovery, and examines Sacagawea's crucial role as a guide and interpreter during the journey westward.

Section 1

Doubling the Nation

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson made a historic deal with France called the Louisiana Purchase. This single purchase doubled the size of the United States overnight, extending the country from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.

To explore this unknown territory, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (the Corps of Discovery) on an expedition. Their goal was to map the land, find a water route to the Pacific, and establish contact with Native American tribes.

Section 2

The Corps of Discovery and Sacagawea

The journey of Lewis and Clark was incredibly difficult. They rowed up the Missouri River and crossed the snowy Rocky Mountains.

Crucial to their success was a Shoshone woman named Sacagawea. She joined the expedition as a guide and interpreter.

Her knowledge of the land and ability to speak with Native tribes saved the group many times. With her help, the explorers reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805, opening the way for future settlement.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

Doubling the Nation

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson made a historic deal with France called the Louisiana Purchase. This single purchase doubled the size of the United States overnight, extending the country from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.

To explore this unknown territory, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (the Corps of Discovery) on an expedition. Their goal was to map the land, find a water route to the Pacific, and establish contact with Native American tribes.

Section 2

The Corps of Discovery and Sacagawea

The journey of Lewis and Clark was incredibly difficult. They rowed up the Missouri River and crossed the snowy Rocky Mountains.

Crucial to their success was a Shoshone woman named Sacagawea. She joined the expedition as a guide and interpreter.

Her knowledge of the land and ability to speak with Native tribes saved the group many times. With her help, the explorers reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805, opening the way for future settlement.