Bravery and Adventure: Sacagawea Unit Study
As homeschoolers, we have a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of history with our children. One remarkable figure who embodies bravery and an adventurous spirit is Sacagawea, whose contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition forever impacted the course of America’s early exploration. Check out this Homeschool Living for some great homeschool history resources and ideas for creating your own Sacagawea unit study.
Sacagawea’s Life
Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman born around 1788, played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which sought to explore the newly acquired western territories of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. Her knowledge of the terrain and languages made her invaluable to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they navigated unknown lands. But beyond her practical skills, Sacagawea’s bravery—especially as a young mother traveling with her infant son—marked her as a symbol of resilience and courage.
To honor her legacy, Sacagawea Day is celebrated on December 20th each year, encouraging us to remember and reflect on her vital contributions. This day offers a great jumping-off point for discussions about historical figures who made significant impacts while facing formidable challenges.
Sacagawea Lessons
This free unit study from Peanut Butter Fish Lessons offers engaging activities that make learning about Sacagawea both fun and educational. Geared toward younger elementary-aged students, stories spark imagination and hands-on projects help bring Sacagawea’s adventures to life. (Email address is required for access to the free unit studies available.)
Consider using a lesson plan mind map provided by the Women’s History Organization to help students utilize a visual diagram to organize and link related topics. This resource helps outline key points about Sacagawea’s life, such as her background, the challenges she faced, and her achievements during the expedition. It’s an excellent way to help students visualize information and see how her bravery impacted the journey.
Tie the mapping activities in your homeschool unit study into an arts and crafts project by creating Sacagawea peg dolls, which you can find inspiration for on Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus. Not only will crafting these dolls offer a creative outlet for little hands, but it also provides a tactile connection to this incredible historical figure. You can also check out some additional reading recommendations (as always, we recommend that parents evaluate resources to determine which are appropriate for their child’s age and learning level), and more hands-on activities to tie into your Sacagawea unit study and explore more of the expedition.
Sacagawea’s Legacy
There are more statues dedicated to Sacagawea than to any other American woman. If you’re able to visit one of these monuments, it could serve as an exciting addition to a family trip and a way to consolidate what your children have learned. However, a great way to explore the monuments without leaving home is to check out the various historical landmarks that celebrate her life and contributions on the Sacagawea biography website.
Incorporating a Sacagawea unit study into your homeschool curriculum is not just about teaching history; it’s about inspiring bravery, resilience, and a sense of adventure in your kids. By exploring her life through engaging resources, hands-on projects, and meaningful discussions, you enable your children to connect with history in a profound way. So, as Sacagawea Day approaches, take the opportunity to honor this incredible woman who serves as an example of bravery and adventure even centuries after her death.
Megan Mora Fuentes
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