Curated OER
Mapping Mistakes
Young scholars examine early European maps and explore geographic errors. They also view maps of the geography of North America. Students discuss the obstacles faced by early explorers in mapping unexplored territory. They consider what...
University of Florida
Sailing to St. Augustine
Using a Florida map from 1597, young explorers consider the physical characteristics they would need in a site for a new colony and the resources they would need to survive. After selecting a site, class members research to discover the...
Curated OER
Early Explorers Web Quest
Students use the Canadian atlas online to research early explorers and settlers in Canada. They also complete a Web Quest to gather information from maps. They make generalizations about the early settlement patterns as well.
Curated OER
Early Explorers
Middle schoolers discover why explorers left their homes to explore and how they played an important part in the discovery of the New World. Students create PowerPoint presentations of a specific explorer's journey and discoveries and...
Curated OER
Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Students investigate several maps detailing Sir Francis Drake's voyages. In this geography lesson plan, students practice reading maps and locating the precise locations of where Sir Francis Drake visited. Students create an outline of...
Curated OER
European Explorer's Photo Journal
Learners study early European explorers. They choose one to research and complete a photo journal of his explorations, which includes maps, articles, etc.
Curated OER
Historical Research on Explorers of Canada
Eighth graders study an online atlas of Canada to research an early explorer.
Curated OER
Columbus wants to find a shorter route to Asia
Eighth graders identify the reasons why Columbus wanted to find a shorter route to Asia. They make a timeline of the sequence of events surrounding his explorations. Students draw a map of the routes taken by early explorers around...
Curated OER
How Does Your Garden Grow? Discovering How Weather Patterns Affect Natural Cycles
For the warm-up in this cool climate instructional activity, you will need to click on "Mapping" and then "US Mapping" once you arrive at NOAA's "US Climate at a Glance" page. Earth science explorers realize that 2012 was a warm winter...
Curated OER
European Exploration, Trade and Colonization
Students complete many activities including mapping, reading books, and Internet research to learn about European exploration. In this European lesson plan, students study geographical mapping, trade, and colonization.
Curated OER
Exploring with Cartography
Students are introduced to the topic of cartography. Using the internet, they research the paths and goals of early explorers. They create a PowerPoint presentation of the information they collected. They also develop a...
Curated OER
Voyage to the New World
Students examine the exploration of the New World. They write a descriptive account of the first encounter between Europeans and Native Americans, analyze and label maps, plot Columbus's journey on a map, and write a chapter summary.
Curated OER
Explore Your World--Geography Takes You Places
Students examine how the world around them is constantly changing. In groups, they travel between centers in their classroom to role play the role of explorers in Washington D.C. They share their experiences with their classmates and...
Curated OER
Conquering North America
Young scholars create a study guide on colonization of North America. In this American Colonization activity, students complete a chart of explorers and their conquests. Young scholars complete a crossword puzzle using explorer facts....
Curated OER
BACK IN TIME
Learners explain what is involved in exploration and settlement of new areas. They become explorers and discover their surroundings through various activities.
Curated OER
Spanish Influence in the U.S.
Eighth graders research the role of the first Spanish conquistadors who explored the now United States. Using the internet, they gather information on different explorers and write a paper about why he is important in American history. ...
American Museum of Natural History
Race to the South Pole
Antarctica was the last continent humans explored. Explore how two teams raced to be the first using an interactive online lesson. Users learn about the climate challenges and how the teams sought to overcome them. The resource is...
Curated OER
Settling Nroth America: Improvisation and Playwriting
Students map the classroom by marking the movement of the first Americans' migration from Alaska down into North America. To improve their skills in map-reading and sense of direction, students identify physical features of the map and...
Curated OER
Overcoming Problems: John Smith
In this John Smith instructional activity, students read a one page article about the problems John Smith faced in the 1600's. Students complete 7 short answer questions about the article.