In this domain, students will learn about the American frontier and the explorers that played an important role in the westward expansion of the United States. Students will be introduced to key people and events that played a role in the early westward expansion of the United States.

The overriding focus of this domain is to emphasize the story of the westward expansion of the United States. While students will hear about many people, events, and dates, it is important to recognize that Grade 1 students are not expected to master or recall all of these details and facts.

Some specifi cs are, of course, necessary so that students can understand and retell the story of the westward expansion of the United States. The details that Grade 1 students should be able to recall are explicitly identified in the Core Content Objectives. Other factual information is incorporated to accurately tell and expose students to the complete “story.”

Students will first review the development of the thirteen colonies and the Revolutionary War. They will hear how the first English colonists settled along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

As more people migrated to the colonies, and by the time of the Revolutionary War, the line of the frontier moved all the way to the Appalachian Mountains. Students will learn that the Appalachian Mountains were difficult to traverse and acted as a barrier to the colonists who wanted to settle farther west.

Students will be introduced to Daniel Boone and the role he played in westward expansion, specifically his role in the creation of the WildernessRoad.

After hearing about Daniel Boone and the Wilderness Road, students will then hear about the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. Students will learn about how Jefferson enabled the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France, moving the line of the frontier all the way to the Rocky Mountains.

Students will hear about Lewis and Clark’s explorations of the Louisiana Territory and about the three reasons why President Jefferson commissioned the exploration of the new land. (to find an all-water route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean; to make contact with various Native American tribes; and to record the geography and the wildlife of the Louisiana Territory)

Students will also be introduced to Sacagawea and her role in the expedition. By the end of the domain, students should have a good understanding of the concept of westward expansion and how it contributed to the growth of the United States, as well as the key people involved.

Parent Letters: Frontier Explorers