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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

June 30, 1806

Despite the warnings that they should fear the Blackfeet Indians of the area, Captain Lewis was determined to explore the source of Maria's River.  Why do you think he was so determined to do so?

June 3, 1806

On page 254, Seaman, while discussing Captain Clark's medical skills, says, "He did the best he could, but admitted that often he really wasn't doing much for their afflictions."

What do you think an affliction is?  What makes you think that?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

March 22, 1806

Why are the Chinook Indians being so troublesome toward the expedition? Why are the men in the expedition treating these Indians differently than they have any other tribe?

February 17, 1806

Based on the thoughts he shared in this chapter, what are Seaman's concerns about Captain Lewis returning home? How does Seaman see himself as a different dog now compared to earlier in his life?

February 17, 1806

Why do you suppose that only Seaman is able to see White Feather? Before you respond, please reread pages 232-233 and page 247. Be sure to explain yourself thoroughly.

Thought and Effort

I find that I am disappointed with the quality of many of your responses lately. However, when I ask you to reread a section and think more deeply about your responses, the quality improves dramatically. Why can't we do this the first time around? I think you all should make a habit of rereading relevant sections on your own before you respond. Having said this, I'd like all of you to revisit each of yesterday's questions to improve upon your work, rereading to help you do this.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Deadly Crossing: The Bitterroots

August 25-October 7, 1805

Among the Shoshone

August 8-24, 1805

September 22, 1805

On page 237, Seaman tells us, "It was a wild ride, but all of our canoes made it through unscathed, much to the disappointment of some of the Indians waiting below." What do you think "unscathed" means?

September 22, 1805

Even though the men were floating with the current now, instead of against it, travel became quite difficult for them. Why?

September 22, 1805

What role did Watkuweis play when Captain Lewis and his men arrived at the Nez Perce camp?

September 18, 1805

Please find an interesting piece of information about camas root and share your learning by commenting on this post.

September 18, 1805

Please reread the paragraph on page 222 that begins with "I was pondering..." What do you think it means to "gesticulate?"

Please Revisit

The August 29 post after you reread this whole section.

Please Revisit

Both August 17, 1805 posts, after you reread this whole chapter.

Please Revisit

The August 15, 1805 post about Captain Lewis's ruse, after you reread pages 196-198.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

September 16, 1805

As the winter weather gets worse, and the men and horses grow weaker from lack of food, Captains Lewis and Clark devise a plan to deal with their desperate situation. What is your understanding of that plan?

September 11, 1805

On page 214, Seaman notes, "Swathed in blankets and furs, they plodded ahead in hungry silence, knowing if they stopped moving the cold would consume them." What do you think "swathed" means?

September 11, 1805

Even though the Nez Perce reacted amiably, they did not want to help guide the Lewis and Clark expedition through the mountains. Why? Why did Captain Lewis desire their help?

August 29, 1805

What did Captain Clark seemingly realize on this date?

August 17, 1805

What do you think put the Shoshones at ease and calmed their fears about the white men?

August 17, 1805

This chapter seems to clear up and explain why the Shoshone had been so wary and suspicious of Captain Lewis and his crew, especially in the excerpt from Captain Lewis's journal. What is your understanding of the reasons for this wariness and suspicion?

Saturday, December 10, 2011

August 15, 1805

Where do you suppose Captain Clark is right now?

August 15, 1805

Why do you think Captain Lewis orchestrated the ruse about the note with Drouillard?

August 15, 1805

Why do you think the Shoshones were so suspicious and distrustful of the men in the Lewis and Clark party?

August 15, 1805

When Chief Cameahwait agreed to lend the Lewis and Clark expedition thirty horses (page 191), he also "...consented to lead us there and lend a hand." What do you think it means to "consent" to something?

August 15, 1805

On page 190, Seaman observes that "The Shoshone are a handsome people, although somewhat gaunt from lack of food." Based on this context, what do you think "gaunt" means?

August 8, 1805

Why do you think Captain Lewis thought it was a good idea to keep saying "tab-ba-bone" to any Shoshones he encountered?

Thursday, December 8, 2011

July 31, 1805

What do you make of the conversation between Charbonneau and Captain Lewis?  It seemed a little suspicious to me.  What was Charbonneau after?  Did he have an ulterior motive?

July 30, 1805

When Bird Woman recounted the story of her abduction by the Hidatsas, on page 170, she explained how they killed most of her people, but "The young women, like me, were spared."  Why do you think only the young women were spared?

July 30, 1805

Why do you think Charbonneau was "having an argument with Bird Woman, although she was nowhere in sight"?

Seaman pointed out that "This was not unusual.  During the journey I had seen nearly all the men have these one-sided conversations."  Why do you suppose this was a common occurrence?

July 19, 1805

On page 166, Captain Clark says to Captain Lewis, "I said my feet will be fine, Merriwether!  I will not be coddled."

What do you think it means to "coddle" someone?  Why do you think this?


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Tomorrow

You will have time to work on your responses during readers' workshop.

July 15, 1805

Why does Captain Lewis believe that they need horses?  What plan do the captains devise to try to obtain horses?

July 15, 1805

On page 161, Seaman explains, "Late that afternoon we got a good look at the Rockies, and it was a sobering sight."

In this context, what do you think "sobering" means?  Why do you think that?

July 8, 1805

Why do you think Drouillard followed Captain Lewis and Seaman on their ramble that day?

July 8, 1805

On page 157, during his tirade against himself, Captain Lewis says, "You delayed the party by two weeks.  Those two wasted weeks just might kill every man!"  What do you think he meant by that?

July 4, 1805

At this stage in the journey, as the party waits for Captain Lewis to finish the new boat, Captain Lewis is growing somewhat worried.  As they wait, what are his primary worries or concerns at this point?

Please Revisit

The first June 16, 1805 post.

Please Revisit

The June 13, 1805 post.