Exploring the Explorers

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how the world became connected long ago? In a time when brave explorers sailed the oceans, discovered "new" lands, and met people whose lives were very different from their own? In this activity, you will learn about an early explorer, trace their route, discover what they did, and think about how their journeys affected the people who lived in the lands they visited. Then you will create a poster to teach others what you learned. 

 

Standards:

  • 3.21: “Identify the routes and contributions of early explorers of the Americas (including: Christopher Columbus, Hernando de Soto, Ferdinand Magellan, and Amerigo Vespucci).

  • 3.22: “Examine how American Indian cultures changed as a result of contact with European cultures, including: decreased population, spread of disease (smallpox), increased conflict, loss of territory, and increase in trade.

Task

You will create a poster about one of the early explorers listed below. On your poster you must include:

  1. The name of the explorer and a picture/illustration of them
  2. The route they took (draw a map showing where they traveled)
  3. Two or more discoveries or contributions (things they gave) 
  4. At least one way native cultures changed because of contact (trade, territory, disease, conflict)
  5. A short paragraph, 2-3 sentences, explaining why this explorer is important for us to study today. 
  6. Neat visuals (drawings, printed pictures) and clear labels so others can read your poster
Process

Day 1:

  • Go over directions and review rubric
  • As a class, we will review what an explorer is. We will discuss why people explore, and what drove people to explore in early history, and the effects of exploration on the world stage. 
  • Our list of earl Explorers:
    • Chistopher Columbus
    • Hernando de Soto
    • Ferdinand Magellan
    • Amerigo Vespucci
  • Students will choose which explorer they want to research (students can work individually or in pairs)
  • Students will be given a research sheet where they can record information they find about their explorer through research
    • name
    • date of voyage
    • route
    • main contributions/discoveries 
    • change in the culture they visited

Day 2:

  • Students will use Epic! to research their explorer
  • Students will record information they find about their explorer on their Research Guide
  • Students will raise their hand if they need help or are confused
    • Learning Advice:
      • look for test features to help you fill out your Research Guide! Captions, timelines, maps will have most of the information you are looking for! And be sure to write information in the correct area in your Research Guide!

         

Day 3:

  • Students will begin creating their poster
    • Title with explorers name
    • Map showing their route
    • Contributions and discoveries listed
    • Short paragraph explaining why we should study this explorer
    • Examples of cultural change with the Natives
    • Pictures, captions, COLOR
  • Students will ask peers for feedback on visuals and writing
    • Is the map clear? Can you read what I wrote?

Day 4: 

  • Finalize posters
  • Gallery Walk - hang posters around the classroom, and view each classmates poster. Record one cool fact they learned from another student's poster on a "review" sheet

 

Resources: 

Epic! > use class code

Who Was...? books located at the work table. 

Research Guide > to be filled out by students

Peer feed back sheet 

Review sheet

Evaluation
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Approaching (2) Below (1)
Explorer's Name/Picture

 Name is correct, picture or drawing is thoughtful and clear

 

 Minor error in name or picture is not clear Name correct, picture present but minimal Missing name or picture
Map/Route

Map clearly shows route, labeled, easy to read. colors used

 

 Map shows route but could be clearer. Labels are missing map present but missing labels or route not clear Map missing or very unclear
Contributions of Explorer

Lists two clear contributions or discoveries

 

 Lists two examples but descriptions are basic lists 1 or 2 examples but descriptions are minimal examples missing or unclear
Effect on Native Culture

Clearly describes at least one change in Native culture (trade, disease, land, conflict) with explanation

 describes one change but needs deeper explanation mentions change but explanation is vague effect is missing or incorrect
Short Paragraph

Paragraph is 2-3 full sentences. Clear, legible. Gives a reason why we should study them

 

 Paragraph present, needs clarity in reasoning Paragraph is present but lacks clear reason, difficult to read paragraph missing,  does not answer prompt, or illegible
Visuals and Neatness

Poster is colorful, organized, easy to follow. labels clear

 

 poster is neat, some visuals and color, somewhat organized poster is somewhat messy, disorganized, lacking appropriate visuals Poster is messy, minimal or no visuals, difficult to read/follow

 

 

Total points possible: 24

 

Grading scale: 24-22 A, 21-19 B, 18-15 C, D below 15

 

Conclusion

At the end of this activity, you will have learned explored the amazing and exciting world of early explorers. You will see how their routes connected land and people, and looked at the effects of their travels. You will have created a poster that will teach others about your explorer and help them understand why exploration matters and its effects in history. 

When we walk around the gallery and read your posters, we will learn how each explorer played their part in the story of discovery.