1
What important roles did early explorers of the American west play in preparing the west for future pioneers?
2
How did the Louisiana purchase encourage western exploration?
3
What challenges did explorers face when they traveled through the west? How could they solve these challenges?
4
Create a map of a route pioneered by a western explorer. Be sure to add important towns, waterways, and other landmarks.
5
Discuss ten skills or techniques that western explorers needed to successfully live off the land.
6
With a group, make a packing list for a western explorer of your choosing. Consider the skills and job that your chosen explorer had and be sure to pack the tools and supplies they would need!
7
Build a model or draw a picture of a western settlement or fort. Be sure to include the different buildings that would have been a part of it and explain or label why each part of the fort or settlement was important.
8
Select three explorers of the west and tell the following about each one:
8d
What inspired them to explore the west
8e
The territory they explored
8f
Special skills they knew
8g
An interesting story or fact about them
9
Do four of the following:
9a
Using rope and natural materials, build a simple shelter and camp in it overnight.
9b
Build a fire only using only materials that an explorer of the west might use.
9c
With a group, cook a simple meal using foods that a western explorer might eat.
9d
Visit a place that explorers of the west explored and share with your instructor the similarities and differences between what they would have seen and what you see now.
9e
Watch a video about an explorer of the west and discuss what you learned with your group.
9f
Tell a story about a western explorer to a group and something that you found interesting when learning about them.
9g
Discuss how explorers of the west healed illnesses and demonstrate how they cured injuries.
9h
Visit an open-air or living history museum and give a report on what you saw and learned.
9i
Draw a map of a natural area, adding all major landmarks, and describe how explorers measured distances and heights of landforms when they drew maps.
9j
Create a simple project out of leather that would have been useful during a trip to explore the west.
9k
Earn the Archery honor.
For tips and instruction see Archery.
10
Share a short devotional about how being an explorer of the west is like being a Pathfinder for Christ and what we can learn from them.
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