Curated OER
Early Explorers
Fifth graders explain the reasons why Europeans decided to explore and colonize the world. In this European explorers lesson, 5th graders complete a wall matrix about the explorers and write a summary about the explorer of their choice.
Curated OER
Navigating With Explorers
Young scholars retrace the steps of European explorers to the New World and recreate the early exploration through online research and multimedia presentations. In this world history and technology lesson, students research early...
Curated OER
European Explorers Crossword Puzzle
In this European explorers crossword puzzle activity, students use the 5 clues regarding explorers to help them correctly complete the word puzzle.
Curated OER
The Great Explorers
Students 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. Students focus on one main exploration and give an oral...
Curated OER
European Explorers Word Search Puzzle
In this word search worksheet, students locate 15 words related to European explorers. Words include harbor, Spain, interests, and John Cabot.
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Early European Explorers
Fifth graders complete a variety of activities surrounding European exploration of the New World. They research one explorer and write and present an essay or script in which they portray that explorer as he makes his final report to his...
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European Explorer's Photo Journal
Students study early European explorers. They choose one to research and complete a photo journal of his explorations, which includes maps, articles, etc.
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European Explorers
Seventh graders research European Explorers lives. They create a Word Document, or slide show based on their research.
Curated OER
Explorers Notebook Assignment
Seventh graders select a European explorer and accompany him on his expedition. They are required to record any pertinent information that describes the explorer's journey. Each student also write a letter to the monarch evaluating the...
Curated OER
'European Exploration, Conquest, and Trade
Fifth graders examine the motives, progress and results of the European exploration and conquest of Asia, Africa and the West Indies from the 15th to the 17th centuries. They use maps to trace spice routes and research the role of spices...
Curated OER
Tools of the Explorers
Fifth graders examine the history of the European exploration of the New World. They research and create replicas of many of the tools used by the explorers including a compass, quadrant, hourglass, log and map.
PBS
Empire of the Bay: Who Were the Pathfinders?
Who were the men key to the Hudson's Bay Company? Read through the biographies provided through Empire of the Bay to find out.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Exploring Borderlands:christopher Columbus
This passage features explorer Christopher Columbus as an author documenting his travels and experiences through letters and such. Click on "Christopher Columbus Activities" for related artifacts and activities.
Mariners' Museum and Park
Mariners' Museum: The Ages of Exploration: Age of Discovery
This Age of Discovery page presents naval artifacts and explorers of the 15th century to the early 17th century. It looks at European explorers who journeyed to North and South America, the search for the Northwest Passage, and...
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
History Is Fun: Cultures at Jamestown [Pdf]
A six-page discussion of the mix of cultures that converged in the colony of Jamestown and the challenges this presented. These cultures were the English settlers, the indigenous Powhatan people, and the African slaves. Despite many...
Princeton University
Strait Through: Magellan to Cook & the Pacific: Ferdinand Magellan
An interesting site that recounts Ferdinand Magellan's voyage and his goal of circumnavigating the globe. Included are portraits, drawings, and maps from the Princeton University Library.
PBS
Empire of the Bay: Sir Martin Frobisher
Read through the biography of Martin Frobisher to find out his importance in Canadian history.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Age of Exploration
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about the exploration of the Americas. Site includes primary source documents, videos, essays, and lesson plans to help students research the exploration of the new land.
Other
Planet Explorers: Captain James Cook (1728 1779)
Famous for cartography and exploration of the Pacific and Antarctic, Planet Explorers provides a brief biography of Captain James Cook.
University of California
Uc Santa Barbara: What Brought the Europeans to America?
Short essay addresses reasons that brought the Europeans to America. Covering many important points, he also provides compelling reasons and a map.
Other
Texas Beyond History: Uncovering Our Cultural Heritage
This site explores the history and geography of Texas, from prehistoric peoples to the European and Anglo explorers to the modern day. Content is supplemented with a wealth of archeologic photographs and artwork. A teacher section full...
Wisconsin Historical Society
American Journeys: Eyewitness Accounts Early American Exploration/settlement
A collaborative project of the Wisconsin Historical Society and National History Day, this site contains over 18,000 pages of primary source, eyewitness accounts of North American exploration starting with the Vikings.
Curated OER
American Journeys: Eyewitness Accounts...
A collaborative project of the Wisconsin Historical Society and National History Day, this site contains over 18,000 pages of primary source, eyewitness accounts of North American exploration starting with the Vikings.