The Trunk of Discovery (TOD) is an assemblage of educational materials for classroom exercises and field activities. Emphasis is placed on the sciences of agronomy, biology, botany, ecology, ethology, geology, mathematics, meteorology, and zoology. These areas of study were selected based upon the letter of instruction written by President Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lewis in 1803 and expanded upon by Flight of Discovery scientists and their educational partners.

Data and specimens acquired as part of Trunk of Discovery activities will be collected at stopovers by the Flight of Discovery during their 2004 expedition. All materials will be added to a national and route-specific collection that will be compiled, preserved and published at the end of the end of the expedition.

The Critter Kit
Utilizing descriptions from the journals and notes of the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark expedition, students will compile a species list of birds, mammals and reptiles found in the vicinity of the Trunk of Discovery’Äôs location. With reference to taxonomic keys and field guides provided, students will document their observations in the form of checklists, photographs, drawings and plaster casts (i.e., footprints).

Academic Emphasis: Ecology, Zoology, Ornithology, Herpetology and Ethology

Lewis & Clark: The Lost Plants
Students will assemble a collection of plants (herbarium), identifying and preserving them. In addition to the plant specimens, students will be tasked to identify communities of plants and differentiate their plants using the following criteria: - Plants identified in the original Corps of Discovery journals and/or collections - Plants not identified in the original Corps of Discovery journals and/or collections - Plants that have edible or medicinal qualities, Native American and/or modern value.

Academic Emphasis: Botany, Ecology, Sociology, Health Sciences

Rock Hounds
Students will learn about geologic processes and how sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are formed. Major landscape features and their method of formation will be identified. Accelerated soil erosion and its effects on environmental quality will be discussed. With reference to maps and a specimen key, students will identify, categorize and organize a collection of rocks and minerals specific to area in which the Trunk of Discovery is located.

Academic Emphasis: Geology, Soil Science, Hydrology and Geomorphology.