Worksheet on the Lewis and Clark Expedition with educational questions for students.

Let’s go through each question one by one. I’ll explain what you need to do and give you the correct answers based on standard history knowledge (since we don’t have the actual textbook or video, I’ll use commonly accepted facts about Lewis and Clark).

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1. In 1803, President ______ commissioned an expedition to go through the territory of Louisiana to the Pacific Ocean.

→ This is a fill-in-the-blank. The president who bought the Louisiana Territory and sent Lewis and Clark was Thomas Jefferson.

✔ Answer: Thomas Jefferson

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2. Describe Meriwether Lewis. In your description, include at least 3 strengths or skills that made him valuable in the success of the expedition.

Meriwether Lewis was chosen by Jefferson to lead the expedition because he had many useful skills:

- He was good at mapping and drawing maps, which helped them record where they went.
- He knew how to collect plants and animals for science — he brought back samples no one in the East had seen.
- He was a strong leader and organizer, able to keep the group together during hard times.

✔ Sample answer:
*Meriwether Lewis was smart, brave, and organized. He could draw accurate maps, identify new plants and animals, and lead men through dangerous terrain.*

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3. Describe William Clark. In your description, include at least 3 strengths or skills that made Clark valuable in the success of the expedition.

William Clark was co-leader with Lewis. His strengths included:

- He was excellent at making detailed maps — even better than Lewis sometimes.
- He was great at dealing with Native American tribes — he built trust and traded fairly.
- He kept careful daily journals so we know exactly what happened on the trip.

✔ Sample answer:
*William Clark was skilled at mapping, negotiating with Native Americans, and writing clear daily records. His leadership kept the team safe and motivated.*

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4. Before the expedition got under way in 1804, what important development changed the shape and size of the United States? How did it affect Lewis and Clark’s journey?

In 1803, the U.S. bought the Louisiana Purchase from France. It doubled the size of the country!

This affected Lewis and Clark because now their mission wasn’t just exploring unknown land — it was also claiming and mapping land that officially belonged to the U.S. They were sent to explore this huge new territory all the way to the Pacific.

✔ Answer:
*The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the U.S. It meant Lewis and Clark were exploring land that now belonged to America, making their journey more important for national growth.*

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5. What was the main mission of the expedition? What was another purpose of the expedition?

Main mission: To find a water route across North America to the Pacific Ocean (called the “Northwest Passage”).

Another purpose: To map the land, study plants and animals, meet Native tribes, and claim the land for the U.S.

✔ Answer:
*Main mission: Find a river route to the Pacific. Another purpose: Map the land, collect scientific data, and build relationships with Native peoples.*

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6. Match the person with the special interest.

You’re given two names: Clark and __________ (probably Sacagawea or someone else — but since only “Clark” is listed, let’s assume the second blank is for another key person like Sacagawea or York).

But looking at common matching questions:

Often it’s:
- Clark → Mapping / Leadership
- Sacagawea → Interpreter / Guide

Since the worksheet says “Match the person with the special interest,” and only lists “Clark ___”, maybe it’s incomplete. But if we assume it’s asking for Clark’s role:

✔ Likely answer:
*Clark – Mapping and diplomacy with Native tribes*

If there’s a second name missing (like Sacagawea), she would be matched with “Interpreter” or “Guide.”

*(Note: Since the image cuts off, I’m assuming standard content. If your worksheet has specific options, match accordingly.)*

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## Final Answer:

1. Thomas Jefferson
2. Meriwether Lewis was skilled at mapping, collecting scientific specimens, and leading the team.
3. William Clark was skilled at mapmaking, dealing with Native Americans, and keeping detailed journals.
4. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the U.S. It made Lewis and Clark’s journey about exploring and claiming new American land.
5. Main mission: Find a water route to the Pacific. Another purpose: Map the land, study nature, and meet Native tribes.
6. Clark – Mapping and diplomacy (or whatever matches your worksheet’s options)