Week Two
Have you already read the Lewis & Clark Summer Expedition prep post? How about the week one activities? Are your journals and expedition maps ready? No? Click here to get started. Yes? Let’s go!
It’s week two and our expedition is moving into Kansas. Lewis and Clark’s expedition came in contact with thousands of buffalo. Did you know the state animal of Kansas is the buffalo? Naturally I thought buffalo (bison, to be correct) would be a great theme for this week’s Lewis & Clark activities.
Before your kids get started on their activities
Go online and have them read a little about buffalo (bison).
- This article on eduscapes is perfect for elementary-age children.
- Read about how the parts of the buffalo were used on the Lewis and Clark website.
- Get the facts on buffalo on the Animal Fact Guide website.
- Read some of Lewis & Clark’s journal entries about bison on the Discovering Lewis & Clark website.
If websites aren’t your thing, books are great, too. For week two of the summer expedition we’re reading online and in print. We read Buffalo Before Breakfast by Mary Pope Osbourne in one sitting yesterday and we plan to read Where the Buffaloes Begin by Stephen Gammel later this week.
Print week two’s activities here
Expedition Activities
Let’s get started! This week’s activity choices:
- View buffalo at a zoo or grazing on a buffalo farm. In the Green Bay area there’s even a buffalo viewing area in Oneida. You can also find a couple buffalo at the NEW Zoo. Take some time to observe these friendly giants, jot down your observations and add a sketch or two. Imagine what it would have been like to come across thousands of buffalo on the plains.
- Make buffalo burgers, buffalo tacos or anything ‘buffalo’ with your mom or dad. Though you can find bison meat at the supermarket, why not try buying some at your local farmer’s market or if you live in the Green Bay area, pick some up at the Oneida Market. How did you like it? Did it taste different? Describe your experience in your journal.
I thought for sure P would choose a trip to the Oneida buffalo viewing area, but he chose eating buffalo instead. Go figure.
If you’re looking for more recipe and activity ideas checkout my Lewis & Clark Summer Expedition Pinterest board.
See you on the trail!
Summer Expedition with Lewis and Clark: Preparation
See you on the trail!
We drive past the buffalo every time we go visit relatives. One of these days we will have to stop!