Activity Overview
The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was the first significant land acquisition in American history, and was also the largest in American history. Doubling the size of the country, the Louisiana Purchase proved vital in the idea of expansion and manifest destiny. The land itself will be utilized and explored, and will provide major economic opportunity for generations, even to this day.
Using a spider map, students will be able to examine the significance of the Louisiana Purchase by answering the 5 W's, who, what, when, where, and why. This activity can serve as both a great introduction for students as well as a way to review at the end of the unit.
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map for one or more current day states that presently exist in what was once the unexplored Louisiana Territory. Students should identify factual information about the state like population, laws, economic functions, and history. This will allow students to make current event connections to one of the earliest land acquisitions in American history.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the Louisiana Purchase: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 was the first significant land acquisition in American history, and was also the largest in American history. Doubling the size of the country, the Louisiana Purchase proved vital in the idea of expansion and manifest destiny. The land itself will be utilized and explored, and will provide major economic opportunity for generations, even to this day.
Using a spider map, students will be able to examine the significance of the Louisiana Purchase by answering the 5 W's, who, what, when, where, and why. This activity can serve as both a great introduction for students as well as a way to review at the end of the unit.
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map for one or more current day states that presently exist in what was once the unexplored Louisiana Territory. Students should identify factual information about the state like population, laws, economic functions, and history. This will allow students to make current event connections to one of the earliest land acquisitions in American history.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the Louisiana Purchase: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Louisiana Purchase of 1803
Engage Students with a Louisiana Purchase Debate
Organize your class into two groups to debate the pros and cons of the Louisiana Purchase. This activity boosts critical thinking and deepens understanding of historical perspectives.
Assign Research Roles for Key Historical Figures
Assign students to research and present on figures like Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, or Meriwether Lewis. This helps students connect with the individuals who shaped the purchase and its outcomes.
Guide Students to Create a Timeline of Events
Have students construct a visual timeline that highlights major events before, during, and after the Louisiana Purchase. This reinforces chronological thinking and places the purchase in broader historical context.
Encourage Mapping the Louisiana Territory
Provide blank maps and ask students to outline the Louisiana Territory and label current states within it. This supports geographic literacy and spatial reasoning related to US expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Louisiana Purchase of 1803
What was the Louisiana Purchase and why is it important in American history?
The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal in 1803 where the United States bought territory from France, doubling the country's size. It is important because it enabled westward expansion, supported the idea of manifest destiny, and provided economic opportunities for generations.
How can I teach the 5 Ws of the Louisiana Purchase with a spider map?
To teach the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) of the Louisiana Purchase, have students create a spider map with each W as a branch. They fill in details for each, add images, and discuss the significance to help analyze and review the event.
What are some easy lesson ideas for helping students connect the Louisiana Purchase to current events?
Try an extended activity where students create a spider map about a modern state that was part of the Louisiana Territory. Have them research population, laws, economy, and history to link past events to present day.
What grade levels is the Louisiana Purchase 5 Ws activity best for?
The Louisiana Purchase 5 Ws activity is best suited for grades 9–12. It can be adapted for both individual and group work, and is ideal for reinforcing key concepts in US history.
What are the student instructions for completing the Louisiana Purchase 5 Ws assignment?
Students should: 1) Click "Start Assignment," 2) Label each cell with Who, What, When, Where, Why, 3) Answer each question, 4) Add images for each cell, and 5) Save and exit when finished.
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