Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Down to the Sea in Ships...Really!

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students discuss the travel of ancient sailors and the use of ships. They complete a Venn diagram, and compare and contrasts the two points of view on ancient ship travel.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Act-It-Out Columbus Boat

For Teachers Pre-K - 2nd
Students investigate the trip Christopher Columbus took to the new world.  In this U.S. History lesson, students create a fictional ship from cardboard and construction paper simulating the ship Columbus used to get to the New...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Columbus Day (Native American Perspective)

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Teach your class the perspective Native Americans had on Christopher Columbus. They will examine the effects of Christopher Columbus' exploration on the Native Americans using a reading theater and a carousel brainstorming activity. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Age of Exploration

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners 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....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Adventure to the New World

For Teachers 5th
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Welcome Aboard the Newport

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers work in groups to create a book for a museum setting that introduces the tall ship, the Newport, to the public. They conduct research on maritime heritage and examine the responsibilities accociated with sailing.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Blackbeard

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students research the pirate Blackbeard and create a technological presentation about him. In this research lesson, students read articles about the pirate Blackbeard. Students research the pirate and then create a technological...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Powhatan Indians' English Boy

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write a historical fiction narrative. In this interdisciplinary instructional activity, 6th graders read the historical fiction Henry Spelman: The Powhatan Indians' English Boy. Students write a piece from the point of view...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Deadly Arctic Expedition

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students view a documentary of an Arctic expedition. In 1913, Arctic explorer and scientist, Vilhjamur Stefansson put together a crew of seamen and scientists to explore the Arctic. After viewing, students discuss what they saw and do a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Henry Spelman: The Powhatan Indians' English Boy

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders read and analyze narrative writing by and about Henry Spelman, a boy-laborer who helped settle Jamestown. They read biographical information, discuss the harsh conditions, and write a narrative piece on Henry's experiences.