Educator Resources
Sharing the Lewis & Clark story is what our site is all about. Through materials and programs, we hope to connect students with the details of the Expedition and the lasting legacy. Lewis & Clark were naturalists, ethnographers, and naturalists on top of being explorers. So our goal is to connect these many fields and interests through the retelling of the Expedition.
Education Kits for Hands-On Learning
Lewis and Clark education kits are available for educators to use in their classrooms. Kits are available for one week and are free of charge. The following kits are available:
• Identification
• Journaling
• Reading
• Teambuilding
These state historic sites can be contacted to check out kits. Note that not all sites have every kit.
- Lewis and Clark State Historic Site: 618-251-5811
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: 618-346-5160
- Old Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site: 618-332-1782
- Fort de Chartres State Historic Site: 618-284-7230
- Fort Kaskaskia/Pierre Menard Home: 618-859-3741
Visiting with Your Class
Most classes, troops, and other groups spend about an hour and a half visiting Lewis & Clark State Historic Site. But with so much to do, you could spend much more time here! Visits consist of exploring the Interpretive Center galleries, watching a 15-minute film, and touring the outdoor historical reconstructions. The confluence viewing area allows visitors to see the meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. With outside pavilions and plenty of space around the Interpretive Center, your group can even have lunch on the grounds.
For groups wanting to visit, we ask that you contact Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau to schedule a visit. This ensures that all groups can explore the site without risk of overcrowding the Interpretive Center.
Call (618) 465-6676 or visit www.riversandroutes.com.
Lewis & Clark Activities for Educators
These materials include activities to be completed during your visit, while others can be done at school or at home. The Interpretive Center and grounds have changed over the years, so some elements in the activity sheets may be removed or in a different section of the gallery.
Click on the lesson to download it. ⇒
Powerpoint on Early 19th Century Clothing
Activity Files from Opening of Lewis & Clark SHS
Lesson #1 – Expedition Activity
Lesson #2 – Camp Life at River DuBois
Lesson #4 – The Louisiana Purchase
The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trial through the National Park Service has created an online Junior Ranger program for students and families to learn about the trail. Other activities on the website include coloring books of animals from the trail and Ranger Talk videos.