+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spanish Explorers and Conquistadors

For Teachers 5th
Prior to taking a test of the Spanish explorers and conquistadors, have students review with this informative PowerPoint. Fifth graders will feel more prepared after using this slideshow as a guide to their studying.  
+
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Land Ho! Early Exploration and Settlement of the Americas

For Teachers 1st
Students complete a unit to learn about early American exploration. In this Americas exploration lesson, students complete eight lessons of activities to learn about Columbus's discovery of the new world and the early exploration of the...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ponce de Leon: The First Conquistador

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students learn why Queen Isabella waited nearly six years to give approval to Columbus to travel west and what event caused her to suddenly support the voyage of Columbus.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Values and Beliefs of Manifest Destiny

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the beliefs of Manifest Destiny and its role in the California Gold Rush. They analyze a painting to gather information about Manifest Destiny.
+
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...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Effects of the Spanish Conquest

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders read and research the effects of the Spanish Conquistadors on the New World. Then they break into small groups and play a game of Jeopardy, using the facts that they have learned.
+
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

Impact of Exploration on Americas

For Teachers 8th - 11th
In this exploration of the America's study guide worksheet, students respond to 13 short answer questions. The questions correlate to assigned readings in a textbook.
+
Worksheet
Curated OER

Puerto Rico-Review Quiz

For Students 4th - 5th
In tis Puerto Rico quiz worksheet, students read a passage about the country and complete a set of 20 comprehension questions. A website reference is given for additional resources.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Warrior of the Church: St. James on Horseback

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars discuss the life and significance of Saint James. They identify details and features of New Spanish sculpture that make it unique.
+
Article
Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Museum: Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
Immerse in the campfire stories of the people who defined Texas. Read about the Spanish soldier-explorers who came to Texas in search of gold and glory.
+
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...
+
Website
PBS

Pbs the West: Cities of Gold

For Students 9th - 10th
This PBS site recounts the efforts of Spanish explorers to find the fabled gold of the New World.
+
Handout
Curated OER

National Park Service: Hernando De Soto

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto who explored the southern coast of what became the United States. Read about his travels and demise.
+
Handout
San Jose State University

San Jose State University: Conquest of the Cities of Gold: Europe's Interactions

For Students 6th - 8th
The arrival of Hernan Cortez in Mexico, his encounters with the Aztec ruler Montezuma II and the Spanish defeat of the Aztecs are described.
+
Primary
PBS

New Perspectives on the West: Coronado's Report to Viceroy Mendoza

For Students 9th - 10th
This is the original report Coronado sent to the viceroy describing his journey from Mexico to what he hoped were the Seven Cities of Gold. He describes the land, people, climate, food, animals.
+
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Rise and Fall of the Incan Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the achievements and sophistication of the Incan Empire prior to being conquered by the Spaniards under Francisco Pizarro. Pizarro had their emperor, Atahualpa, executed after keeping him captive for months while the Inca gave...
+
Handout
Other

Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Hernando De Soto (1500? 1542)

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about Hernando de Soto's travels throughout Arkansas in his quest for gold and silver.
+
Handout
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Loon Lake Elementary School: Hernando De Soto

For Students 3rd - 5th
A biography of Hernando De Soto (1500?-1542), a Spanish explorer who led the first European expedition to reach the Mississippi River. His group arrived at the river in 1541 during a search for gold. De Soto also took part in the Spanish...
+
Graphic
Curated OER

Ecuador Explorer: A Brief History of Ecuador

For Students 9th - 10th
This site tells the story of the Conquistadors search for gold in Ecuador. It is written like a story rather than a biography and is very detailed and interesting.