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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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The Columbian Exchange
Seventh graders investigate the impact of the Columbian Exchange. In this Exploration Age lesson, 7th graders view video clips and read materials related to the trade that took place in the era. Students use SMARTNotebook slides to...
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A Day in the Life of a San Francisco Native Animal
Learners write from an animal's perspective. In this writing lesson plan students explore the landscape of San Francisco prior to the arrival of the explorers. Learners research animals indigenous to the area.
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Early Explorers
Fifth graders investigate the routes taken by the early explorers. In this explorers instructional activity, 5th graders use interactive notebooks, discussion and maps to discover the routes taken. Students get into pairs and label maps,...
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Early Explorers
Fifth graders give a presentation about one of the explorers. In this explorers lesson, 5th graders research an explorer and give a presentation to the class. While students are presenting the others are taking notes on a graphic organizer.
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Conquistadors: Hernán Cortes
Students discover the accomplishments of Hernan Cortes. In this Exploration Age lesson, students discuss the attributes of Cortes and his role as a conquistador. Students then conduct further research to participate in a debate about...
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Liftoff Into Space
Students explore the history of space exploration. In this history of space exploration lesson, students create a timeline of space exploration. Students watch a space video and discuss important events. Students research space...
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Explorers & Early America: Columbus' Journey to Find a Western Sea Route to Asia
Third graders study Columbus and the route he took when he was exploring. In this social science, 3rd graders examine maps, analyze them, compare them to each other, and understand where Columbus wanted to go versus where he actually...
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Drake's West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Students investigate several maps detailing Sir Francis Drake's voyages. In this geography lesson plan, students practice reading maps and locating the precise locations of where Sir Francis Drake visited. Students create an outline of...
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Act-It-Out Columbus Boat
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 World....
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Drake’s West Indian Voyage 1588-1589
Students examine the exploration routes of Sir Francis Drake. In this American exploration lesson, students investigate primary sources to trace the routes and contact with the natives that Sir Francis Drake experienced on his voyages in...
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But Where Is It On This Modern Map? A problem-solving, mind-boggling experience!
Trace Columbus' voyages by locating them on 21st Century maps. Using a navigators lesson, 4th graders will examine the Age of Exploration and trace Columbus's routes accurately on laminated world maps using different maps. Note: You...
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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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European Exploration, Trade and Colonization
Students complete many activities including mapping, reading books, and Internet research to learn about European exploration. In this European lesson plan, students study geographical mapping, trade, and colonization.
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European Exploration & Discovery
An online interactive world history learning exercise challenges learners to answer 11 multiple choice questions regarding the Exploration Age. They then may submit their answers to be scored.
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Trailblazers- Now and Then
Young scholars examine and study the routes of trailblazers. In this American history lesson, students find a route on a map and compare that to the route of trailblazers. Young scholars will then compare that map with a topographical...
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Marco Polo
In this history reading comprehension activity, students first read a 3 paragraph text about the life of Marco Polo. Students then answer 10 multiple choice comprehension and vocabulary questions.
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Slope Exploration
In this slope exploration worksheet, 9th graders solve and complete 18 different problems that include graphing and investigating the slope of various equations. First, they graph each pair of points and draw a line that contains both...
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Comparisons
In this making comparisons in history worksheet, learners read 8 statements. Students put a C after statements that refer only to Columbus's voyage. Learners put a P for those that refer only to the Pilgrims, a B for those that refer to...
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Discovery of Australia
In this discovery of Australia activity, learners respond to 22 various types of questions related to the discovery of Australia. First, they identify who the early Dutch Explorers were and what they found. Then, students identify James...
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The Travels of Marco Polo
For this social studies reading comprehension worksheet, learners read a page long detailed biography of Marco Polo. Students complete 12 multiple choice questions and one essay.
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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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Introduction to the Caribbean
Students examine the history and culture of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. They conduct research on Christopher Columbus, create a quiz, watch a video about Cuba, and write an essay comparing and contrasting Puerto Rico...
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Lewis and Clark for Grades PreK-2
Students read the "The Journey Begins" article and discuss why people want to discover new lands and why it is still exciting today. They are introduced to the idea that Lewis and Clark sent back discoveries to President Thomas...