• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

Lapbooks

Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

April 14, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a huge 97 page free US Westward Expansion lapbook. Also, I have a page Westward Ho with more ideas. Grab more ideas on my lapbook ideas page and on my best homeschool unit studies page.

You’ll want to study about westward expansion a few times to get in more subtopics of American history.

In addition, you may want to narrow down your focus to specific years or topics.

Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

However, for our first time studying about the expansion of the United States, we covered quite a few years and topics.

For example, I chose to cover the period of 1803 to 1890.

Additionally, making a list of topics to cover will help too.

Westward Expansion Unit Study Ideas

Besides, you want to create a foundation for your children to understand why people wanted to head west.

Free Minibooks About Westward Ho

For instance, look at this list of free minibooks I created for a westward expansion unit study,

  • Westward Ho Trifold Timeline Book
  • 1860 Pony Express Pop Up Book
  • Animals of the West with Pocket for Older Kids
  • Baby Animals of the West with Pocket for Younger Kids
  • Flora of the West for Older Kids
  • Flora of the West for Younger Kids
  • Buffalo Bill Frontiersman Tiny Book and pocket
  • Daniel Boone Frontiersman Tiny Book and pocket
  • James Fenimore Cooper _ Author Tiny Book and pocket
  • Sacagawea matchbook
  • Artists Study and Images George Caleb Bingham and Albert Bierstadt
  • 49ers Goldrush minibook
  • 1836 Remember the Alamo minibook, mini crossword, and Texian and Tejano images
  • Manifest Destiny Pros versus Cons
  • Barrel of Words Vocabulary
  • Flip book to learn about supplies on the Oregon Trail.
  • Prairie Schooner Top Flap,
  • Landmarks along the Trail, Devil’s Gate, Independence Rock & Chimney Rock,
  • Prairie Schooner Bottom Flap,
  • Disease on the Trail: Cholera
  • Picture for front/back of lapbook/notebook page.
  • Dividers for Lewis & Clark Expedition and one for Westward Expansion.
  • Pecos Bill older child
  • Pecos Bill younger child
  • Tall Tale Pecos Bill Writing Prompt
  • Transportation Layered Book
  • 1869 Transcontinental Railroad
  • Printable Board Game Oregon Trail
  • 2 Westward Ho Coloring Pages

As you can see from geography to language arts, I have many ideas for you.

Additionally, you’ll love reading some of these living books below.

Books about the Oregon Trail

10 Westward Expansion Resources

Add in a few books and resources to bring the study of the Oregon Trail to life during the United States expansion of the west.

Your Life as a Pioneer on the Oregon Trail (The Way It Was)

Your Life as a Pioneer on The Oregon Trail, has some funny illustrations and great information for this unit study.

Little House on the Prairie Series 7 Books Collection

Of course ALL the Little House Books are some of the best about pioneer life.

The Ingalls are the most famous pioneers and westward moving families.

Westward Expansion (A True Book: Westward Expansion)

A True Book: Westward Expansion takes readers on an amazing journey to a fascinating time in U.S. history when the country was experiencing dynamic change and expanding westward.

The Oregon Trail 4-Book Paperback Box Set Plus Poster Map

In this boxed set, choose your own trail and complete the journey to Oregon City with all four paperbacks in this exciting series! It's 1850 and your first goal is to get your family, covered wagon full of supplies, and oxen to Chimney Rock on time. 

The Oregon Trail: Journey to Willamette Valley Boardgame

  • It's a race to Willamette Valley as you join the wagon train and seek your fortune in the West!

Apples to Oregon:

Apples, ho! When Papa decides to pull up roots and move from Iowa to Oregon, he can’t bear to leave his precious apple trees behind. Or his peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, and pears. Oh, and he takes his family along too.

Locomotive

It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the trip and the sounds, speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives; the work that keeps them moving; and the thrill of travel from plains to mountain to
ocean

The California Gold Rush and the '49ers

Try your luck, and search for your fortune in California! Follow the joy and heartbreak of the '49ers during the California Gold Rush.

Daily Life in a Covered Wagon

In 1853, the Larkin family loaded up their wagons and headed west in search of a new life. But how did they do it? What did they eat? How did they survive sickness, and attacks from cattle thieves? Drawing on diaries and letters, and illustrated with photographs of actual object from the past, Daily Life in a Covered Wagon explored what life was really like on the wagon trail.

Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trails

Illustrations and simple rhyming text follow Mother, Father, and Baby John as they make the difficult journey by wagon to a new home across the Rocky Mountains in the fertile Sacramento Valley of California. By the creators of Gold Fever.

And if you’re doing a unit study, you want to include hands-on learning.

Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

Finally, add some hands-on activities.

Hands-on US Westward Expansion Ideas

Moreover, there are many hands-on ideas you’ll want to include in this unit study.

  • No Sew Pioneer Rag Doll For Kids Westward Expansion Activity
  • 7 Educational Movies for Kids About Westward Expansion
  • 10 Westward Expansion Hands-on History Activities
  • Free Westward Ho History Cards
  • Make an edible Louisiana Purchase Map, yum.
Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

Too, are you looking to cover other areas of American History?

Look at these other lapbooks.

More History Lapbooks

How to Get the Free HUGE 102 Page Westward Expansion Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. This is a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access to my subscribers library and this freebie.

Just follow the steps below.

 1) Sign up on my list.
2) Grab the freebie now!
3)  Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

1 CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, westward expansion, westwardho

Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks

April 13, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are moving on to another huge unit study to focus on for American history, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition.You’ll find more ideas on my page Lewis and Clark.

Today, I have the Lewis and Clark botany 1 and 2 minibook printables.

Note: The botany 1 and 2 minibooks were free for a limited time.

Since this is our second time to visit this subject and with Tiny at middle & high school level now, I will have to spin out the topics in a different direction

Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks

When we studied Lewis and Clark at an elementary level for my older set of boys, Tiny was very young. By the way, be sure to grab my first lapbook there.

Lewis and Clark free Botany 1 and Botany 2 minibooks @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
Lewis and Clark Free Botany 1 and Botany 2 Minibooks for a lapbook or unit study.

I can’t get choked up when I see this picture, well maybe a little, because your homeschool journey moves faster than you realize though you don’t think so when you’re in the moment.

Lewis and Clark unit study

Tiny has fond memories of that first study, so I am looking forward to building on his knowledge and love of our previous study.

So we looked over the unit study and have our ideas brewing about what he wants to learn.

Science of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

First, though I am updating some of those forms and changing them to add them to this second visit of this topic.

A botany notebooking page is on my previous unit study page, but we wanted a minibook of it so we can either create a lapbook page or notebooking page with mini printables.

This unit study completely planned like I mentioned, but we have several ideas brewing.

Besides, we may want to take some bunny trails because there is so MUCH to study.

Moreover the botany notebooking page, which has been turned into two botany accordion fold minibooks gives us a starting point in our unit study.

Additionally, I wanted Tiny to review some of the over 200 plants that Lewis and Clark identified and name.

Lewis and Clark didn’t really “discover” them because Native Americans were already in the areas that Lewis and Clark traveled and were familiar with the plants using them as medicinal purposes and in every day life.

However, Lewis and Clark did scientifically name them and organize them.

Lewis and Clark Botany 1 and 2 Minibooks

Tiny spent the morning looking over journal entries where provided, pictures and reading about where specimens were identified.

Look at this site Lewis and Clark Library and study the plants, journal entries and pictures and then fill out the minibooks.

Also I have the answers for the plants on the last page of the minibooks.

Learn from the site above and identify the plants, give their scientific name and a few facts about each plant and add it to your lapbook.

Fold accordion style and keep in a zipper pouch or better yet, a big ziploc bag like we do.

Then, at the end of the unit study I will give you some ideas for layouts on your page.

Next, I have some books you may want to add to your unit study.

15 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources

Lewis and Clark is one of the most significant periods in American history and you can spend weeks exploring the lands and people west of the Mississippi with these fun books and resources.

How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy.  The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.

Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

Commissioned in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and open up this vast territory, Lewis and Clark felt it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Against the hardships of the wilderness, possible attack by hostile Indians, sudden blizzards and terrifying natural obstacles, these two men led the Corps of Discovery ably and nobly to complete their mission. Their Corps included American Indians from the Sioux, Mandan, Shoshone, Clatsop and Chopunnish tribes. Sacajawea, the only woman on the trip, was a Shoshone woman who contributed invaluable service as interpreter and guide. Daugherty's evocative sepia and black ink illustrations depict individuals of humor, vitality, passion, and strength.

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

From the New York Times bestselling author the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.

The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

The only book ever written that tells the eyewitness truth about this famous teenage Indian mother who was indispensable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

On May 14, 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois, heading westward under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his Second Lieutenant, William Clark. While Lewis led the group in terms of rank, the two men became de facto equals, giving their names jointly to a journey that would shape the future of the fledgling United States — the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This book presents journal entries taken directly from the expedition.

Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

Describes how Sacagawea found adventure guiding Lewis and Clark to the Oregon coast.

Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark (Third Edition): A Guide to the Trail Today

Take Your Own Journey through History on the Lewis & Clark Trail! Follow the journey of the Corps of Discovery from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello through the Midwest and the Rockies, to the Pacific Ocean and back with this detailed chronicle of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This third edition of the classic guidebook features accessible text that combines the historical sites and color maps that merge the past and present in a user-friendly and entertaining way.

What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

When Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the "Corp of Discovery" left St. Louis, Missouri, on May 1, 1804, their mission was to explore the vast, unknown territory acquired a year earlier in the Louisiana Purchase. The travelers hoped to find a waterway that crossed the western half of the United States. They didn't. However, young readers will love this true-life adventure tale of the two-year journey that finally brought the explorers to the Pacific Ocean.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story of  the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history's most compelling moments.

The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects

In The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad, readers ages 9 to 12 can delve into the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other explorers. They can learn about the more than half a million people who followed during the nineteenth century. What challenges did these pioneers face on the 2,170-mile journey? How were Native American tribes and nations affected by this mass migration? Primary sources allow readers to feel like a part of the Oregon Trail experience while biographical sidebars will introduce the compelling people who were part of this time in U.S. history. Investigative, hands-on projects and critical thinking activities such as writing a treaty and researching artistic impressions of the Oregon Trail invite readers to further their understanding of life on the trail, early towns and forts, and the Transcontinental Railroad that followed the wagons into new lands and territories that would eventually become states.

Seaman's Journal

A trade paperback edition of the award-winning tale of the journey of Lewis and Clark. When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, met his new master in August of 1803, he didn't know that he would spend the next three years on an adventure of more than 8,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back. Seaman's Journal is based on actual entries in Meriwether Lewis s journal describing Seaman, and it presents an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as seen from the viewpoint of Lewis s dog. Join Seaman before the trip as preparations take place. Meet the Native American guides and friends they encountered along the way. And read of Seaman s love for Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose husband acted as interpreter and guide. Ages 5-8.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition: Join the Corps of Discovery to Explore Uncharted Territory

Describes the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

Following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery as they navigate the muddy Missouri River and begin a great adventure, this activity book is set against the background of the vast North American continent. It takes children from President Jefferson’s vision of an exploratory mission across a continent full of unique plants and animals through their dangerous and challenging journey into the unknown to the expedition’s triumphant return to the frontier town of St. Louis. Twenty-one activities bring to life the Native American tribes they encountered, the plants and animals they discovered, and the camping and navigating techniques they used. A glossary of terms and listings of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, and related websites round out this comprehensive activity book.

It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.

GRAB THESE OTHER RESOURCES AND HANDS-ON IDEAS

Lewis and Clark: Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth
Hands-On History: Make a Journal!
Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase Edible Map
Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
Lewis and Clark Unit Study and Lapbook
Lewis and Clark:Cooking on the Trail
Lewis and Clark Free Botany 1 and 2 Minibooks
How To Make An Easy Ink pot & Quill Pen with Berry Ink

Lewis and Clark Lapbook, Notebooking Pages, and Coloring Pages

Below, look at the minibooks which come with this lapbook.

In addition, there are more minibooks than you need to fill one lapbook.

I include these in your lapbook so that if you want to study different subtopics you have a minibook.

Too, don’t forget we created this lapbook by turning the file folder landscape.

Now, here is a list of the pages which come with your purchase.

  • 3 pages which can be used for the outside cover – the pages are created for landscape layout
  • 5 coloring pages – which are created portrait. These can be used to include your younger children or use them for outside cover pages if you turn your file folder portrait instead of landscape.
  • 4 minipockets and minibook with lines – 1 each for Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and The Enlisted Men.
  • 4 minipockets and minibook with no lines – 1 each for Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and The Enlisted Men which allows your child to draw or cut off the other side to use for memory, games, or add any other information. They are very flexible.
  • Doctoring in the Wilderness minibook – Have your child learn the names of a few herbs.
  • Mission. Have your child describe what is the purpose of the mission or how it came about.
  • How Long Was the Journey minibook with timeline
  • What Did They Take minibook. Cut out pictures and talk about what they carried on the journey and why it was needed.
  • Map of the Expedition. Locate the places on the map.
  • Indian Country – Learn about the Native Americans Lewis and Clark encountered.
  • Geography on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Write some brief points about geography.
  • Botany Book 1 and Botany Book 2. Learn about some of the plants along the way.
Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks. We are moving on to another huge unit study to focus on for American history, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition.You’ll find more ideas on my page Lewis and Clark. Today, I have the Lewis and Clark botany 1 and 2 minibook printables. When we studied Lewis and Clark at an elementary level for my older set of boys, Tiny was very young. By the way, be sure to grab my first lapbook there.
  • Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

2 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Geography Based, History Based, Lapbooks Tagged With: botany, lapbook, lewis and clark, lewisandclark

Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook

April 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have some unit study ideas and my Lewis and Clark exploration lapbook. You’ll find more ideas on my page Lewis and Clark. Grab more ideas on my lapbook ideas page. Also grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

Studying Lewis and Clark is not only an exciting action-packed history topic, but it covers many subtopics.

During Lewis and Clark’s exploration, they learned about the plants and animals of the areas they passed through.

Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook

In addition, they interacted with Native Americans and learned much about the geography of the area known as the Louisiana Territory.

In less than three years, the Corps of Discovery traveled over 8000 miles.

About the Louisiana Purchase

Why were Americans interested in the Louisiana Purchased? Prior to that time the western boundary was the Mississippi River.

And Americans wanted to trade further west.

In 1803, President Jefferson negotiated a deal with Napoleon Bonaparte, the leader of France.

President Jefferson needed to find a way to explore the land and he wanted to use the natural resources for the good of the country.

However, there were many tribes that inhabited the area west of the Mississippi River which President Jefferson informed Lewis and Clark about.

However, Lewis and Clark has no way of knowing they there were so many Native Americans who inhabited the vast lands.

For example, there were tribes like the Osages, Kiowas, Cheyenne, Crow, Chinook, Sioux, Shoshone, Pawnee, and many more.

Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook

In addition, look at these other topics you can cover in your unit study.

  • Flora and Fauna along the Lewis and Clark Trail.
  • Life of the Native Americans they met along the way.
  • Geography of the United States west of the Mississippi.
  • Life in the 1800s.
  • The relationship and history between the United States and France.
  • Learn about Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • Read primary sources like the letter President Jefferson wrote about the Louisiana Purchase.

Lewis and Clark Exploration Hands-on Activities

Moreover, a Lewis and Clark unit study and lapbook lends well to tons of fun hands-on activities.

Activities are numerous and I a few here to get your creative juices flowing.

  • 22 Free Lewis & Clark Activity Posters (You Don’t Want to Miss These)
  • Mighty Mississippi book & Sediment Activity
  • Cooking on the Trail
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
  • Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase Edible Map
  • Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth
  • How To Make An Easy Ink pot & Quill Pen with Berry Ink
  • Free Westward Ho History Cards
  • 10 Westward Expansion History Fun Coloring Pages

Also, you can use some other resources to this lapbook instead of purchasing a curriculum.

Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook

Then, you can go down any rabbit trail you wanted to learn how Lewis and Clark explored.

Books About Lewis and Clark

15 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources

Lewis and Clark is one of the most significant periods in American history and you can spend weeks exploring the lands and people west of the Mississippi with these fun books and resources.

How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy.  The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.

Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

Commissioned in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and open up this vast territory, Lewis and Clark felt it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Against the hardships of the wilderness, possible attack by hostile Indians, sudden blizzards and terrifying natural obstacles, these two men led the Corps of Discovery ably and nobly to complete their mission. Their Corps included American Indians from the Sioux, Mandan, Shoshone, Clatsop and Chopunnish tribes. Sacajawea, the only woman on the trip, was a Shoshone woman who contributed invaluable service as interpreter and guide. Daugherty's evocative sepia and black ink illustrations depict individuals of humor, vitality, passion, and strength.

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

From the New York Times bestselling author the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.

The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

The only book ever written that tells the eyewitness truth about this famous teenage Indian mother who was indispensable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

On May 14, 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois, heading westward under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his Second Lieutenant, William Clark. While Lewis led the group in terms of rank, the two men became de facto equals, giving their names jointly to a journey that would shape the future of the fledgling United States — the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This book presents journal entries taken directly from the expedition.

Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

Describes how Sacagawea found adventure guiding Lewis and Clark to the Oregon coast.

Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark (Third Edition): A Guide to the Trail Today

Take Your Own Journey through History on the Lewis & Clark Trail! Follow the journey of the Corps of Discovery from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello through the Midwest and the Rockies, to the Pacific Ocean and back with this detailed chronicle of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This third edition of the classic guidebook features accessible text that combines the historical sites and color maps that merge the past and present in a user-friendly and entertaining way.

What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

When Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the "Corp of Discovery" left St. Louis, Missouri, on May 1, 1804, their mission was to explore the vast, unknown territory acquired a year earlier in the Louisiana Purchase. The travelers hoped to find a waterway that crossed the western half of the United States. They didn't. However, young readers will love this true-life adventure tale of the two-year journey that finally brought the explorers to the Pacific Ocean.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story of  the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history's most compelling moments.

The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects

In The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad, readers ages 9 to 12 can delve into the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other explorers. They can learn about the more than half a million people who followed during the nineteenth century. What challenges did these pioneers face on the 2,170-mile journey? How were Native American tribes and nations affected by this mass migration? Primary sources allow readers to feel like a part of the Oregon Trail experience while biographical sidebars will introduce the compelling people who were part of this time in U.S. history. Investigative, hands-on projects and critical thinking activities such as writing a treaty and researching artistic impressions of the Oregon Trail invite readers to further their understanding of life on the trail, early towns and forts, and the Transcontinental Railroad that followed the wagons into new lands and territories that would eventually become states.

Seaman's Journal

A trade paperback edition of the award-winning tale of the journey of Lewis and Clark. When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, met his new master in August of 1803, he didn't know that he would spend the next three years on an adventure of more than 8,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back. Seaman's Journal is based on actual entries in Meriwether Lewis s journal describing Seaman, and it presents an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as seen from the viewpoint of Lewis s dog. Join Seaman before the trip as preparations take place. Meet the Native American guides and friends they encountered along the way. And read of Seaman s love for Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose husband acted as interpreter and guide. Ages 5-8.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition: Join the Corps of Discovery to Explore Uncharted Territory

Describes the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

Following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery as they navigate the muddy Missouri River and begin a great adventure, this activity book is set against the background of the vast North American continent. It takes children from President Jefferson’s vision of an exploratory mission across a continent full of unique plants and animals through their dangerous and challenging journey into the unknown to the expedition’s triumphant return to the frontier town of St. Louis. Twenty-one activities bring to life the Native American tribes they encountered, the plants and animals they discovered, and the camping and navigating techniques they used. A glossary of terms and listings of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, and related websites round out this comprehensive activity book.

It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.

Finally, look at the minibooks in the Lewis and Clark lapbook.

Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

  • Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity
  • Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas
  • Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • Mushroom Unit Study and Kids Learning Activities
  • Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

Lewis and Clark Lapbook, Notebooking Pages, and Coloring Pages

Below, look at the minibooks which come with this lapbook.

In addition, there are more minibooks than you need to fill one lapbook.

I include these in your lapbook so that if you want to study different subtopics you have a minibook.

Too, don’t forget we created this lapbook by turning the file folder landscape.

Now, here is a list of the pages which come with your purchase.

  • 3 pages which can be used for the outside cover – the pages are created for landscape layout
  • 5 coloring pages – which are created portrait. These can be used to include your younger children or use them for outside cover pages if you turn your file folder portrait instead of landscape.
  • 4 minipockets and minibook with lines – 1 each for Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and The Enlisted Men.
  • 4 minipockets and minibook with no lines – 1 each for Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and The Enlisted Men. This allows your child to draw or cut off the other side to use for memory, games, or add any other information. They are very flexible.
  • Doctoring in the Wilderness minibook – Have your child learn the names of a few herbs.
  • The Mission. Have your child describe what is the purpose of the mission or how it came about.
  • How Long Was the Journey minibook with timeline
  • What Did They Take minibook. Cut out pictures and talk about what they carried on the journey and why it was needed.
  • Map of the Expedition. Locate the places on the map.
  • Indian Country – Learn about the Native Americans Lewis and Clark encountered.
  • Geography on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Write some brief points about geography.
  • Botany Book 1 and Botany Book 2. Learn about some of the plants along the way.
Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: american history, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, lapbooking, lapbooks, lewis and clark, lewisandclark, Native Americans, nativeamerican

Fun Homeschool Pirate Unit Study Ideas and Free Pirates Lapbook

March 16, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have a pirate unit study and free pirates lapbook. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my pirates page. Also grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

Who hasn’t heard of pirates? They conjure up in our minds scenes of swashbucklers and wealth of hidden treasures untold.

Pirates have had an enormous impact on world history whether they were destroying civilizations or lurking along trade routes to attack ships.

Fun Homeschool Pirate Unit Study Ideas and Free Pirates Lapbook
  • Who were these pirates?
  • What lured them to the sea and where were they?
  • How long have they been at sea?

Sea raiding started early with the Egyptians making the first seaworthy ship.

Around 1200 BC, Phoenicians, who lived at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea were some
of the most successful seafarers in the ancient world.

One of the main trading ports was in the city of Tyre, now modern-day Lebanon.

Facts about Pirates

Pirates were people who attacked and robbed ships.

During war, sailors called privateers raided enemy ships.

In peacetime, these privateers turned into pirates and began raiding all ships found on the open sea.

The crew of these ships would elect a captain. The captain and crew would then agree upon a code to follow.

This code would set the rules, punishments and distribution of loot.

And pirates made their own flags to fly on their ships. The original pirate flag was red and was called the Bloody.

More Hands-on Activities Learning About Pirates

  • Blackbeard the True Story YouTube
  • Free Printable Pirate Board Game: Rounding To the Nearest Ten
  • How to Make a Giant Cardboard Box Pirate Ship
  • Cute David Rovics – Pirate Song YouTube for the littles
  • 5 Pirate Myths that are Actually True YouTube
  • Nice. Activities from elementary to high school from the New England Pirate Museum.
  • Also at the The Museum of Unnatural Mystery look at the Golden Age of Piracy.
  • Make a pirate’s treasure map.
  • Free Printable Pirate Mad Libs Template
  • Ideas for a 10 day unit study

In addition, the Golden Age of Piracy was from about 1500 to 1700 when famous pirates raided ships in the Caribbean Sea.

Although pirate life may seem glamorous there were times that the adventure meant many uncomfortable times and even death.

More Pirate Unit Study Resources

Additionally, add a few of these books to your unit study.

Books for Multiple Ages About Pirates and Fun Resources

Add a few of these books about pirates to your history, science or pirates unit study.

The Ballad of the Pirate Queens

Recounting the stories of two legendary women pirates, a ballad about Anne Bonney and Mary Reade describes their desperate 1720 evening battle with the governor's men while the rest of the crew remained below.

A Pirate's Life for Me! A Day Aboard a Pirate Ship

Ahoy, matey! Did you ever wonder what life was like on a pirate ship? Join this pirate crew for a day and see for yourself. Hoist the Jolly Roger as the pirates prepare to attack a merchant ship and you'll earn a share of the loot. Sing a sea chantey as you help wind the capstan. And after you climb down the ratlines from the crow's nest, you can feast on salmagundi. From Spanish galleons to stinkpots, from treasure maps to desert islands, for a pirate it's all in a day's work!

One-Eyed Jake

One-Eyed Jake was the most despicable pirate to ever sail the seven seas. The cook, the bo'sun, and the cabin boy were desperate to escape Jake's evil clutches and live quiet, law-abiding lives--and one day they get their chance. "Buried treasure reluctant beginning readers need."--School Library Journal. "Illustrated with bouncy bravado."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.

Treasure Island: The Original 1883 Edition With Complete Illustrations

"For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From the moment young Jim Hawkins first encounters the sinister Blind Pew at the Admiral Benbow Inn until the climactic battle for treasure on a tropic isle, the novel creates scenes and characters that have fired the imaginations of generations of readers.

Mystery History:Pirate Galleon (Mystery History Series)

Describes life aboard a pirate ship. Includes games, puzzles, and mazes.

Little Children's Pirate Activity Book

An action-packed, write-in activity book for little children, full of lots of different things to do. There are things to spot, mazes to follow, colouring, drawing and lots more. Factual information about the
life aboard a pirate ship are incorporated into the activities.

The Pirate's Handbook: How to Become a Rogue of the High Seas

Presents facts about the lives of real pirates, and provides ideas for how to become one with instructions for making pirate shoe buckles, a treasure map, pirate flag, and pieces of eight

The Book of Pirates: by Howard Pyle with Original Illustrations

Rarely have the exploits of marauding pirates and buccaneers of the Spanish Main been more vividly recounted than in the stories of author and illustrator Howard Pyle. Possessed of a unique talent for recapturing the flavor of bygone eras, Pyle wrote and illustrated these highly readable sagas of the sea wolves who sailed under the dreaded black flag.

Pirates (Magic Tree House Research Guide, paper)

When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #4: Pirates Past Noon, they had lots of questions. Did pirates really make people walk the plank? What was life like on a pirate ship? Is there any buried treasure around today? Argh! How do you talk like a pirate? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

The Stowaway: A Tale of California Pirates

When a pirate terrorizes the 1818 California coast, a brave young boy summons up the courage to defend his Monterey home from a savage attack. By the author of Jimmy Spoon and the Pony Express.

Pirates: Robbers of the High Seas

Full-color artwork and a simple text chronicle the world of the pirates, detailing the exploits of such famous villains as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, their battles on the high seas, and their lives aboard ship.

Treasure Island (Signet Classics)

For sheer storytelling delight and pure adventure, Treasure Island has never been surpassed. From young Jim Hawkins’s first encounter with the sinister beggar Pew to the climactic battle with the most memorable villain in literature, Long John Silver, this novel has fired readers’ imaginations for generations. A rousing tale of treachery, greed, and daring, Treasure Island continues to enthrall readers of all ages.

Who Was Blackbeard?

Though much of his early life remains a mystery, Blackbeard most likely began his life as Edward Teach in the sailing port of Bristol, England. He began his career as a hired British sailor during Queen Anne’s War. He eventually settled in the Bahamas under Captain Benjamin Hornigold who taught the young sailor to go "a-pirating." Soon enough, Blackbeard was commanding his own fleet and stealing ships around the Caribbean and up and down the Eastern seaboard. Known for his thick, black beard and fearsome reputation, the legend of Blackbeard has influenced pirate legend and lore for over 300 years.

Pirate Fluxx

Play Pirate Fluxx, boardgames are always a good addition to any study.

How I Became a Pirate

When Braid Beard’s pirate crew invites Jeremy Jacob to join their voyage, he jumps right on board. Buried treasure, sea chanteys, pirate curses—who wouldn’t go along?

Soon Jeremy Jacob knows all about being a pirate. He throws his food across the table and his manners to the wind. He hollers like thunder and laughs off bedtime. It’s the heave-ho, blow-the-man-down, very best time of his life. But then Jeremy Jacob finds out what pirates don’t do. . .

Bucket of Pirate Action Figures

BUCKET OF PIRATES: Ignite your child's imagination with this bucket of pirate action figures playset! Includes 8 detailed pirate figurines, boat, ship, treasures, and more for epic battles and treasure hunts. Let their creativity soar!

Fun Homeschool Pirate Unit Study Ideas and Free Pirates Lapbook

Minibooks about Pirates

Lastly, look at these notebooking pages and minibooks to use in your pirate unit study.

Also, on most of my lapbooks I normally create more minibooks than will fit into one file folder. This gives you choices for topics which interest your children.

Use what works for covering the topic right now and save the rest fo another time.

  • Golden Age Pirates Cover
  • Ancient Seafarers Cover
  • Egyptian Vessels
  • History of Piracy
  • Phoenician Sailors and Tyrian Purple
  • Treasure of the Whydah
  • “Yarr” Words Vocabulary and Pocket
  • Lives of pirates Blackbeard and Henry Morgan
  • Brethen of the Coast
  • Queen Elizabeth 1 Pirate Queen
  • Ships of the Past – Caravel and Galleon
  • 4 Notebooking pages

HOW TO GET THE FREE PIRATES LAPBOOK

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie. And I have a list of links for this unit study included in the download.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE
2) Grab the freebie instantly.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}

Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

March 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this free Texas homeschool lapbook. Grab more lapbooks on my lapbook ideas page. Also grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

This lapbook was created to introduce you briefly to my native land of Texas, a little history, some famous Texans, and a few fun facts. 

Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Moreover, this unit will be expanded on in the future by covering other parts of Texas including the Republic of Texas

While the Alamo and how Texas became a Republic were much more significant topics to be learning as a little girl growing up in southern Texas, I was often fascinated by hearing such names as Ima Hogg and Ura Hogg.

But some things I learned where tall tales. For example, there was no Ura Hogg but there was an Ima Hogg.

Beyond the fun tidbits I learned growing up, I’m excited to share a starting point about the history of Texas.

Texas In Its Infancy

Besides the attack of the Alamo in March 1836 in San Antonio, Texas, other events contributed to the history of Texas.

Texas was a Mexican province and both U.S. and Mexico recognized the abundant land and fertile land.

However, the location of Texas was closer to the expanding United States.

Too through the years I’ve read in some places that Tejanos made up only about 4000 people in 1821.

Tejanos are persons of Mexican descent living in Texas. Today we call them Mexican American.

At the time there were not very many settlers to defend Texas against Mexico.

And Americans were allowed to settle in Texas.

So, in return for the cheap land grants Americans had to become Mexican citizens, accept the Mexican constitution and the religion of Roman Catholic.

As I learned in Texas history growing up this was a strategy Mexico used to try to convert American settlers as an asset by Mexico.

Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

I guess that far back a rebellion was already in the works.

Books about Texas

In addition, here are some fun books about Texas.

Resources for Learning About the Lone Star State & Texas Cattle Drives

Add a few of these resources to learn about the great state of Texas.

The Chisholm Trail: A History of the World's Greatest Cattle Trail

The Chisholm Trail was the original "Cowboy Highway" stretching hundreds of miles from the ranches of Texas to the Cattle markets in Kansas. This classic work chronicles in vivid detail the entire journey of the trail and is complete with descriptions of actual incidents and events that occurred along the trail as well as stories of famous and infamous cowboys, outlaws, rustlers, Indians, and lawmen who made the journey.

A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

A guide for teaching Texas History through literature. It is based on a 34-week timeframe and is useful for students in grades K-6/7.

Texas History for Kids with 21 Activities

Encapsulating the 500-year saga of the one-of-a-kind state of Texas, this interactive book takes readers from the founding of the Spanish Missions and the victory at San Jacinto to the Great Storm that destroyed Galveston and the establishment of NASA’s Mission Control in Houston while covering everything in between. Texas History for Kids includes 21 informative and fun activities to help readers better understand the state’s culture, politics, and geography. Kids will recreate one of the six national flags that have flown over the state, make castings of local wildlife tracks, design a ranch’s branding iron, celebrate Juneteenth by reciting General Order Number 3, build a miniature Battle of Flowers float, and more. This valuable resource also includes a timeline of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and web resources for further study.

Texas Activity Book (Color and Learn)

A New Way to Enjoy Texas with Your Family

For hours of excitement, give your kids the Texas Activity Book by Paula Ellis! They'll enjoy learning about the Lone Star State through pictures and puzzles. It's also perfect for keeping kids entertained on the car ride to your next destination.

Texas Longhorn Bull Cow Toy Figure

DETAILED & REALISTIC. Crafted with precision and authentic detail to create a lifelike toy that teaches and inspires toddlers and kids; helps introduce children to animals. From the first sketch to the intricate finishing touches, we see value in every detail.

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

“Remember the Alamo!” is one of the most familiar battle cries in American history, yet few know about the brave woman who inspired it. Susanna Dickinson’s story reveals the crucial role she played during that turbulent period in Texas-American history.

The Boy in the Alamo

The classic story of the siege of the Alamo, as told for young readers. Originally published in 1958, thousands of children each year enjoy this story from the unique point of view of twelve-year old Billy Campbell.

Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

A biography of the legendary Comanche leader profiles the son of a white woman, who fiercely defended tribal lands against those who tried to seize them and who, after being moved with his people to a reservation, fought for the recognition and decent treatment of his tribe.

Make Way for Sam Houston

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico.

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

The story of one of Texas's most famous cowboys is filled with cattle drives, stampedes, floods, droughts, freezing desert nights, raiders and bandits, and one man's endurance and love of life on the plains.

Below are some hands-on resources.

MORE RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ABOUT THE STATE OF TEXAS

Grab these other Texas unit study resources below.

  • Cattle Drives Shaped Its History and Longhorn Craft
  • History of the Texas Cowboy, Cattle Drives, and Chisholm Trail
  • Native American Texas History Quick Unit Study (Middle School)
  • Free Copywork Cattle A Texas Poem For a Fun Unit Study
  • 7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust
  • Exploring Edible Cactus
  • How to Build the Alamo
  • 8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft
  • 25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study

Also, look at the minibooks included in this free Texas homeschool lapbook.

Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Minibooks about Texas

Next, look at some of the topics covered in the lapbook with the minibooks.

  • Map of the geography of Texas
  • Trivia and Natural Regions
  • Founding Fathers of Texas
  • Fun Facts
  • Famous Texans
  • XIT Ranch
  • And a fun book Texas “Ainglish”

How to Get the Free Texas Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie. And I have a list of links for this unit study included in the download.

 1) Sign up on my list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, Texas, texasunit

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 13
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy