Curated OER
Spanish Explorers and Conquistadors
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.
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
European Explorers
To compare how the Spanish, French, and English approached the exploration of North America, class groups examine primary source documents and become experts on one of four explorers: Francisco Coronado, Robert LaSalle, Samuel de...
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Spanish Influence in America
Students try out instruments from South America. In this multiculturalism lesson plan, students discuss the attributes of Latin American music and play instruments from South America.
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The Colonization of the United States
Bring the Age of Exploration into the 21st century with this ancestry activity! Learners get a chance to explore the complex genealogy of the Spanish settlers through watching two video clips (approximately five minutes each) featuring...
Stanford University
Native Californians and the Portola Expedition
What was California like before the Spanish came? Class members discover the answer to the question using images of Native Americans and diaries of the early Spanish explorers. Scaffolded activities allow instructors to adapt the...
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Spanish Influence on United States Currency: The Origins of the "Dollar"
Sixth graders research the Spanish influence on early colonial America and the process of establishing the present U.S. currency. They read and discuss an informational handout in small groups, and take a short quiz. Students then...
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Conquering North America
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...
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Explorers
Young scholars work together to examine Dutch, French, Spanish and English explorers. They create a poster of the information they collected and write about one explore they find most interesting. They share their information with the...
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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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Impact of Exploration on Americas
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.
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The Effects of European Exploration on the Americas
In this effects of European exploration on the Americas study guide worksheet, students read a brief overview pertaining to the time period in world history and then respond to 2 reflection questions.
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An Age of Exploration
Students investigate U.S. history by examining North American timelines. In this American exploration instructional activity, students research the events that led to Columbus finding America and participate in a jeopardy game regarding...
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European Explorers
Students research one of seventeen explorers before filling in a worksheet. Next, they write a song verse using the information and sing it to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." On the next day, they play a game of "Who Am I?" using...
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Mesoamerica: The History of Central America
Young scholars examine the role of women in Mesoamerica. They watch segments of the Discovery video "Mesoamerica: The History of Central America". After conducting further research pertaining to specific Mayan women, they write essays...
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It’s a Big, Big World
Students examine the role of the explorers. In this explorers and conquistadors, students create word puzzles (Wordles) regarding the time period in history. Students conduct research regarding a particular explorer and create foldables...
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Oh, California
Learners begin this lesson by charting information about the relationship between the Spanish missionaries and Native Americans at a California mission. Then, students identify the dynamics of those relationships that would have made...
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What They Left Behind: Early Multi-National Influences in the United States
Students examine how the European voyages of discovery influence American culture even today. They map eighteenth century Europe's impact on the United States.
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Storytelling In America
Students discuss how Washington Irving is considered an important 19th century-American storyteller. They create their own version of a passage from 'The Legend' after listening to the story.
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California Indians
Fourth graders discuss the major nations of California Indians, their geographic distribution, economic activities, legends and religious beliefs. They describe the function of Spanish missions and the influence of Catholicism. In...
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Explorers
Students search interactive sites to discover the history of exploration. They inspect an explorers' timeline and read about them. They participate in a Viking quest game and a multimedia recreation of Marco Polo's explorations.
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5th Grade Sample Unit Sheet
Fifth graders read in any textbook, about the French, Spanish and Dutch explorations. They choose any 5 questions from the back of the chapter to answer. Students listen to the tape and follow along in "America will Be." They watch a...
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Marquette and Joliet Explore the Mississippi in 1673
Students locate and name the St. Lawrence River, the five Great Lakes, and the Mississippi River on a modern map. They find Quebec, Michilimackinac, Wisconsin, and Chicago on that map. They find the same places on a 1681 map.
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Be a Food Explorer
Young scholars discover the origins of fruits and vegetables. In this nutrition lesson, students research how fruits and vegetables came to the United States via trade routes. Resources are provided.
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Imperialism: Locations of Colonial Rule
Eighth graders examine the conquest of the Americas. In this Exploration lesson, 8th graders locate the areas of colonization. Students create a visual map of these areas of conquest.