Successful Expedition

This reflective writing worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 develop historical reasoning, explanatory writing, reflection, critical thinking, and connection-making skills through the study of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Students analyze key success traits such as teamwork, courage, and perseverance, explain their historical importance, and connect those qualities to modern exploration using organized, evidence-based writing.

Skills Reinforced

• Historical Analysis (Grades 4-6) – Identify and explain qualities that contributed to the success of a major U.S. exploration.
• Reflective & Explanatory Writing – Write clear explanations supported by examples and thoughtful reasoning.
• Connecting Past and Present – Apply lessons from historical exploration to modern exploration and real-world contexts.
• Critical Thinking – Draw conclusions about how personal traits influence group success and achievement.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support upper elementary social studies and ELA standards.
• Structured Reflection – Clear prompts guide students from brainstorming traits to composing a short essay.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for independent writing, discussion follow-ups, assessment, or enrichment activities.
• Supports Diverse Learners – Encourages personal connections while providing clear expectations for writing.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen reflective writing, historical understanding, explanatory skills, and analytical thinking while exploring why the Lewis and Clark Expedition succeeded. By linking historical traits to modern exploration, students practice making meaningful connections across time. It’s a thoughtful, low-prep resource that works well for both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Lewis and Clark Expedition collection.