Worksheet
Curated OER

Primary Sources: Diaz and Cortes

For Students 8th - 9th
Provided are two descriptions, both from famous Spanish explorers. Pupils read each passage and then answer 2 inference questions based on how they think each description shows what Cortes and Diaz felt about the Aztecs. Show images of...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Spanish Explorers Name Cards

For Students 4th
In this explorers worksheet students see the names of 18 Spanish explorers on name cards. There is no information given on this page.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Spanish Explorers

For Students 5th - 8th
In this social studies worksheet, students read the names of Spanish explorers and they are to be displayed as a word wall for the classroom.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Aztecs Meet the Spanish

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students simulate an Independent Counsel to represent the Spanish and the Aztecs to formulate a policy for the Roman Catholic Church in 1527. They conduct research, graph the similarities and differences, create a poster, and write a...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cortes & Montezuma Worksheet

For Students 6th - 8th
In this world history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about Cortes and Montezuma. A short answer question is included as well.
PPT
Curated OER

The European Conquest of the Americas

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Witness the birth of the Americas in this presentation, which details the European Explorers who contributed to adding vital details on our modern-day maps. Viewers' worlds will literally expand after seeing the results of Cortes and the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Theobroma Cacao "The Food of the Gods"

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders research the history of chocolate and write short answers to provided questions. They read about the Mayan and Aztec civilizations and the Spanish conquest.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?

For Students 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers can analyze primary source documents to answer the question, "Why did the Aztec and Inca civilizations disappear?" They will read the provided excerpts then answer 11 different questions to uncover the ultimate answer.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Search for the Lost City of El Dorado

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders research the reasons to why people want to find the city of El Dorado. In this Spanish exploration lesson, 9th graders read an article and answer guided reading questions. Students present their findings to the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Imperialism: Locations of Colonial Rule

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the conquest of the Americas. In this Exploration instructional activity, 8th graders locate the areas of colonization. Students create a visual map of these areas of conquest.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coronado: Misfortune's Explorer

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discuss the importance of Coronado's expedition through Texas and the trials his men endured during the journey. They view and discuss a map of Coronado's route, the effects of weather on the Great Plains, and Buffalo....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Conquering North America

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students create a study guide on colonization of North America. In this American Colonization lesson, students complete a chart of explorers and their conquests. Students complete a crossword puzzle using explorer facts. Students read...
Unit Plan
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Hernando Cortes 1485 1547

For Students 5th - 7th
Furnished is a brief summary of the life and explorations of Spanish explorer, Hernando Cortes. Take a look at the photos and maps of his journey of what today is called Mexico.
Graphic
Other

American Journeys: Map of the Spanish Entrada Into North America [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Map showing the routes taken by fourteen Spanish explorers in the Americas between 1509 and 1543.
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: Hernan Cortes and the Fall of the Aztec Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the fall of the Aztec Empire. You can use the navigation tool at the left to click into more information on the Aztecs and the Spanish conquest of Cortes. Uses popups.
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
A huge website that provides a virtual field trip exploring the Spanish adventurers who quested for gold and land in the New World. The site has information on Pizarro, Orellana, Cabeza de Vaca, Cortes as well as extensive information...
Handout
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Loon Lake Elementary School: Hernando Cortes

For Students 3rd - 5th
A biography of Hernando Cortes (or Cortez) (1485 -1547), a Spanish adventurer who conquered what is now central and southern Mexico. His seizure of land, power, and wealth made him the greatest Spanish conqueror in the Americas. His...
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Explorers for Kids: Hernan Cortes

For Students 1st - 9th
Investigate the biography and life of Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernan Cortes. Read about how he conquered the Aztec Empire.
Handout
Mariners' Museum and Park

The Mariners' Museum: Exploration Through the Ages: Alonso Alvarez De Pineda

For Students 9th - 10th
Little is known about Alonso Alvarez de Pineda's life except for the last year. Read about his explorations for Spain and his contributions to the Spanish empire.
Handout
Other

Spanish Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the history and motives of the famous Spanish Conquistadors in the New World. Features biographies, pictures, and timelines about the life of the famous European Explorers.
Activity
Study Languages

Study Spanish: Los Conquistadores

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource on Spanish conquistadors focuses on Cortes, Alvarado and Pizarro. Additional links are provided for more information on this topic. Great reading selection for beginning and intermediate Spanish students.
Handout
Siteseen

Siteseen: Land of the Brave: Hernando Cortes Facts

For Students 9th - 10th
Interesting biographical facts on the life of Hernando Cortes, the man who conquered the Aztec empire.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Mexico History and Timeline Overview

For Students 3rd - 8th
Kids learn about the history and timeline of the country of Mexico including the Aztecs, Mayan, Spanish explorers, Cortes, the Mexican Revolution, and independence from Spain on this website.
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Don Antonio De Solis

For Students 9th - 10th
Spanish explorer who was a companion of Cortes.