1.  As a class, access the Library of Congress Map Collections  to view the Lewis and Clark Expedition map from the Library of Congress.  Take some time to show the class how to use the zoom capability and navigate the map.

2.  Have student groups work together to study the map (and other maps available) to find the names of some towns along the trail. 

3.  Have students access Lewis and Clark Trail Web site  for a listing of towns along the trail and links to their present heritage centers.

4.  Once the towns have been named, begin researching them in small groups.  Have students attempt to find out facts about the towns from 1800 (or 1804), 1900 (or around the turn of the century), and present day.  This can be found using Internet searches, encyclopedias, or contacting the towns' heritage centers.  For example, "Canoe Camp" and "Canoe River" are sites on the Library of Congress map.  The river was traveled by the Corps of Discovery and was used for Native American transportation.  By searching Canoe River on the Internet, you can discover that the Canoe River is still actively used, but primarily for sport and entertainment, rather than trade and transportation.

5.  Have small groups present their information in chart form, comparing the towns in 1800, 1900, and 2000.  Groups should then orally present their charts to the class, focusing on presenting the similarities and differences they discovered.

Students will be assessed on:
1. Group work and class participation.
2. Complete, accurate, detailed research.
3. Complete, accurate research chart and oral presentation.

The Lewis and Clark Trail:  Information about the towns along the trail and links to their heritage centers.