FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Lewis and Clark Distance-Learning Project to Feature Philadelphia Connections

CLAYTON, MISSOURI, September 5, 2003. . . As part of its ongoing series of distance-learning broadcasts linking students across the country to the lessons and legacy of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Lewis and Clark Then and Now will highlight the importance of Philadelphia to the mission in its September 11 broadcast, “Preparing for the Journey.”

“What the project is designed to do,” said Tim Gore, educational director of Lewis and Clark Then and Now, “is to engage kids in authentic learning experiences as an event of national importance is occurring. Our ‘Preparing for the Journey’ broadcast will provide students important background information to understanding the purpose of the expedition by giving them a chance to learn about Lewis’ studies in Philadelphia and their influence on the success of the mission.”

Experts who will be sharing their knowledge with students in this broadcast include Frank Muhly, founder of the Philadelphia chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Students will also view footage of locations Lewis studied in Philadelphia and hear from members of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles who are engaging in a real-time reenactment of the original journey. In addition to learning about the historical details of Lewis’ and the Discovery Expedition’s preparation, Gore states, “We want kids to ask themselves the question ‘What does it mean to be prepared?’ and apply that to their own life as they interact with experts during the broadcast.

The broadcast will be available over the Internet at the project’s website www.ali.apple.com/lewisandclark. It is scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and continue until 2:30 p.m. Students watching across the country will be able to e-mail questions to the experts to be answered during the broadcast. The project website also provides instructions on how to e-mail questions to the reenactment crew at any time.

“Preparing for the Journey” is just one of many Lewis and Clark Then and Now broadcasts that will be available for teachers and students throughout the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration. Additional project features include an interactive web site with resource and curriculum materials as well as archived material available on CD and DVD. For more information about the project, to view archived versions of previous broadcasts, and to see a complete schedule of broadcasts planned for this fall, visit www.ali.apple.com/lewisandclark. Instructions on how to view broadcasts are provided on the page entitled “Video Setup.” To contact the project directors directly, e-mail them at lewisandclark@clayton.k12.mo.us.