Dutch Exploration Lesson Plans

Fifth graders read in any textbook, about the French, Spanish and Dutch explorations. They choose any 5 questions from the back of the chapter to answer. Students listen to the tape and follow along in "America will Be." They watch a video on "The Mayflower."

Students read an article and view photographs of the North Pole. For this North Pole lesson, students identify the reasons for the importance of the history of North Pole exploration. Students participate in activities in vocabulary, critical thinking, discussions and cultures of the people.

Learners follow the journey of Henry Hudson down the river with his name. Using journal entries and maps, they learn about its exploration. They use maps to identify stages of the journey, and practice converting distances into miles.

Fifth graders role play the position of an explorer traveling to the new world. They research the explorers journey and create their own explorer's notebook. They complete different activities and then present their evidence to the class.

Students extend their reading of The Birth of New York: The Dutch in America through research and exploration. In this New York history lesson, students work individually and in groups to understand the origin of New York and understand the influence the Dutch had. Students will interpret maps and other primary documents to further their understanding of this concept.

Fourth graders research explorers of the New World.  In this American history lesson, 4th graders conduct internet & textbook research about various New World explorers.  Students compare and contrast the sources used for research.  They give oral presentations and create projects to display their findings.

Fourth graders become familiar with the explorations of Hernando DeSoto. In this DeSoto lesson plan, 4th graders recognize the routes and territories of DeSoto's explorations. Students use primary and secondary sources and research to answer questions, create a diorama and complete worksheets on DeSoto's exploration in South Carolina.

Sixth graders recreate Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs using pre-cut wood or cardboard, compass, acrylic or tempera paints, and paintbrushes in this 6th grade Art lesson. The lesson is an excellent idea for use in the Social Studies classroom before or after a unit on the Pennsylvania Dutch population.

Students work together to examine Dutch, French, Spanish and English explorers. They create a poster of the information they collected and write about one explore they find most interesting. They share their information with the class.

Young scholars examine the importance of culture and economy changes that occurred due to the great explorations. In this explorations lesson, students create a list of major explorers. Young scholars focus on one main exploration and give an oral report.