Fourth graders learn about explorers

Sisters Elementary School fourth graders aren’t likely to be tricked by the question, “Were all the Lewis and Clark expedition members human?”

Teacher Diane Jacobsen has been reading a book to her class about the expedition as seen through the eyes of a Newfoundland dog who made the entire journey with the Corps of Discovery. As part of the lesson, the Oregon National Guard visited last Thursday, February 23, to give a talk about the explorers to all three fourth-grade classes. Along with a PowerPoint presentation, students got a hands-on lesson with tables filled with animal pelts and claws.

“The kids are interested in the dog and the wildlife,” said SSG Greg Olson, Special Projects for the Oregon National Guard.

Olson has been traveling to Oregon schools to give the lesson on the explorers and talk about the active role played by the Army.

His lesson points out that many Americans are not aware that the Lewis and Clark Expedition “was an Army endeavor from beginning to end.”

As part of the lesson, teachers are given a lesson plan, CDs and maps before Olson visits so the students are prepared to learn more.

Olson said it is hard to pack a two-and-a-half-year trip into a 45 minute presentation. However, he said the lesson helps kids get an appreciation for the vastness of the land the team explored.

Learn more about the Lewis and Clark Expedition at http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/LC/.