Resource: Explorers of Yesterday and Today
Media Type:
QuickTime Video
Length: 5m 49s
Size: 15.9 MB
In this video segment from Nature, meet Tom Murphy, a modern day explorer who travels alone throughout Yellowstone National Park taking photographs. In many ways, Tom is similar to John Colter, who traveled across the park almost 200 years ago with the Lewis and Clark expedition. Both Murphy and Colter traversed these lands during the harsh winter season. Murphy describes what he carries in his pack and how he builds his shelter. He also discusses his frame of mind towards the inclement weather and makes comparisons between his travels and essential equipment and those of Colter.
Teachers' Domain, Explorers of Yesterday and Today, published August 26, 2008, retrieved on ,
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/vtl07.la.rv.text.explorer/
- Frame and Focus
- Follow Up
- Connections
- Standards
The following suggestions are best suited for middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
Frame (ELA) What does it mean to compare and contrast? What elements are you looking for?
Focus (ELA) As you watch the video, listen for the similarities and differences that Tom finds between himself and John Colter, an explorer who traveled the same area almost 200 years ago.
Frame (SS) Why did Lewis and Clark set out on an exploration west?
Focus (SS) As you watch the video, think of the difficulties that John Colter faced on his exploration that Tom Murphy would not have to deal with.
Please answer this survey question:
Thank you!
Your response has been received. Thanks for helping improve Teachers' Domain!
Source: Nature: "Christmas in Yellowstone"
Resource Produced by:
Collection Developed by:
Collection Funded by:
Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.



Print Frame and Focus
Loading Standards