The Lewis and Clark Expedition word search, scramble and crossword puz

The Lewis and Clark Expedition word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this Lewis and Clark expedition puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our westward expansion unit. The kids had heard of the two explorers but had no idea why they traveled west or who helped them along the way. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like Lewis, Clark, expedition, explore, westward, Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson, Sacagawea, interpreter, guide, river, Missouri, Pacific, map, and discovery. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the story finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether Sacagawea was an explorer or a guide. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple canoe and compass drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one fact about Sacagawea on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.