Bird Woman’s River: Sacagawea’s Diligence in a Historic Journey

In this lesson, students will understand the diligent behavior Sacagawea displayed throughout her journey with the Lewis and Clark expedition. They will also think about ways in which they can be diligent in their own lives.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• Explain how Sacagawea’s identity changed from the time she started on the trek with the Corps of Discovery to the end of the expedition.
• What was Sacagawea’s purpose on the expedition?
• What diligent behavior did Sacagawea display during her time with Lewis and Clark?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze Sacagawea’s identity, purpose, and performance during the Lewis and Clark expedition.
• Students will understand and appreciate Sacagawea’s diligent behavior.
• Students will apply their knowledge about diligence to their own lives.