An Adirondack Expedition

Student Handout

Dear Student,

I want you to imagine that this is the early to mid-1800s and that you are one of the very first people to explore the Adirondacks.  Think about what you might see and experience. 
  • Why do you go there? 
  • What do you bring with you? 
  • How long are you there, and what time of the year is it?
  • Do you like the area? 
  • Are you excited, scared, or some of both? 
  • What are some of the animals, plants, and geographic features that you see?  
  • In what ways are your experiences similar or different to the experiences of Lewis and Clark? 
I have assigned you a category.  That category is ______________________ . 
  • Choose a topic within that category, research it, and then create a postcard. 
  • Your postcard should be written as if you were in the Adirondacks in the 1800s and you wanted to tell a friend or family member about something you saw or experienced. 
  • On the front of the postcard you need a picture.  If you are not an artist, fear not!  I will not be grading you on how well you draw.  You may take a picture from the Internet but only one, and it may not be the only picture on the postcard.  Consider, for example, gluing a picture of an animal on the postcard but drawing the scenery yourself. 
  • What you write is equally important – be descriptive and to the point.  In other words, help your reader feel like they are there with you without running out of room!
  • Your postcard should be authentic – examine carefully the postcards I send around the room and follow the checklist I give you. 
  • Let me know if you have any questions. 
  • Do your parents enjoy history or the Adirondacks?  Ask them for ideas and suggestions, too! 
  • Your postcard is due ________________________.  
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