Portuguese Exploration Lesson Plans

Students research early explorers from selected nations, routes, or time periods. After finding maps of exploration routes over water and land, they create a time line. Presentations are created in the form of three-dimensional models detailing the explorers travel routes.

Students trace sailing route of Spanish and Portuguese exploration ships. They calculate and compare distances that different explorers traveled. Students calculate how long it would take to travel an explorer's route using different velocities.

Learners explore the Aztec culture and the Conquistadors. In this Aztec instructional activity, students investigate the language and culture of the Aztec civilization. Over several days and lessons, learners expand their study to explore the impact of Conquistadors on this ancient civilization.

Young scholars determine that thriving African cultures engaged in international trade and exploration before the emergence of European civilization. The study ancient Ghana, its geographic locale, the diversity therein to include its people, their lifestyles, languages, and customs.

Students investigate global geography by viewing images in a slide-show. For this famous explorers lesson, students observe a PowerPoint presentation showing drawings of geographical locations and the explorers who found them. Students sort the images based on different categories and their understanding of the subjects.

SpStudents are able to explore characteristics of the Spanish and Portuguese exploration and settlement of the Americas. They are able to write an essay describing an imagined expedition into outer space. Students are able to understand that geographic, technological, and scientific factors contributed to the European age of exploration and settlement in the Americas.

Students associate explorers with specific discoveries. They apply research skills to inquire about the explorers. Students switch roles with the instructor for the class to demonstrate what they have learned.

Eighth graders study the famous explorer Christopher Columbus.  In this World History lesson, 8th graders analyze and compare primary and secondary sources.  Students discuss as a class the accomplishments of Columbus.   

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.

Fourth graders study exploration of the New World. In this Exploration Age instructional activity, 4th graders research early explorers and create time lines that include picture, captions, and the routes of the explorers studied.