Age of Exploration Lesson Plans

Fifth graders examine reasons for exploration, the outcomes, and various explorers. In this age of exploration lesson, 5th graders create a flipbook with timeline and images to showcase their knowledge. 

Trace Columbus' voyages by locating them on 21st Century maps.  Using a navigators lesson, 4th graders will examine the Age of Exploration and trace Columbus's routes accurately on laminated world maps using different maps. Note: You will need to provide a map for this activity.

Ninth graders evaluate the impact of technology. In this Exploration Age lesson, 9th graders research how technology made exploration possible and create newscasts based on their findings.

Research European expansionism and colonialism during the Age of Exploration. Study the Marquise de Miramon and discuss the objects from Japan. Research Europe's expanisionism and colonialism during the Age of Exploration by working in groups to complete section research. Debate about the topic, discuss exoticsm, cultural imperialism, and create a related art activity.

Students investigate U.S. history by examining North American timelines. In this American exploration lesson, students research the events that led to Columbus finding America and participate in a jeopardy game regarding his adventure. Students complete Internet activities about U.S. history and take a test.

Students discover information about the early explorers. For this Exploration Age lesson, students watch "The Great Age of Exploration'" and respond to the provided questions about the video.

Students explore world history by researching explorers of North America. For this famous explorers lesson, students research one specific explorer of their choice and identify his successes and failures by utilizing the Internet. Students utilize computer software to create a presentation about their explorer which they share with the class.

Sixth graders view pictures to discuss then and now.  In this exploration age lesson, 6th graders view pictures as primary sources and discuss the differences between then and now. Students recognize the reasons people explored. Students complete worksheets.

Students use recipes to find spices from six continents. They research the geographical features of the places where the spices are found. They use their research to create presentations of the countries they mapped.

Students investigate various expeditions throughout history to new and/or uncharted territories. They work in groups to develop and 'produce' television news magazine segments about some of these historic expeditions.