What does it matter if Moctezuma had a zoo? Learners consider the question to decide whether the Aztecs were an advanced civilization or if European colonialism brought civilization to them. Using images of primary sources, including...

Time, time, time ... see how it shaped an entire culture! Science scholars discover the mysteries of the Mayan and Incan cultures during the fifth video in a History of Science series. The narrator shows how these time keepers developed...

Using a Florida map from 1597, young explorers consider the physical characteristics they would need in a site for a new colony and the resources they would need to survive. After selecting a site, class members research to discover the...

Visitors to Machu Picchu, especially those who hike the 1,600 feet and climb the over 3,000 steps, are forced to consider how the Incas constructed this engineering marvel without the benefit of iron tools or wheeled carts. Introduce...

What did Christopher Columbus have to say about his exploration of the Caribbean? Young historians have a chance to examine Columbus' own words about his voyage to Cuba and Santo Domingo. After reading Columbus' report, pupils respond to...

What was the most significant tool used by the Chumash? How did the environment make the tool possible? What group behaviors allowed the Chumash be be successful for thousands of years? After watching West of the West's documentary Once...

A study of the history of the Channel Islands, located off the coast of southern California, continues as class members conduct a mock trial to determine which group of stakeholders should have the right to claim the remains of Juan...

America began well before Jamestown, well before Plymouth Rock. An informative video introduces the 1542 Spanish expedition that explored the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California. The voyage started with the attempt to...

After watching Treasure in the Sea, a documentary about Channel Islands National Park and the video First Contact, about the voyage of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo to the Channel islands, groups research and then compare the experiences of...

Youngsters gain ample reading comprehension practice while studying the history of Christopher Columbus with this great workbook! It includes word puzzles and comprehension checks of multiple assessment styles, including multiple choice,...

Academics explore the topic of life in California Missions for Native Americas. Class members complete a research activity, respond to writing prompts, and engage in hands-on-activities to learn who lived in the missions and what life...

Maritime expansion changed culture and the global economy for ever. This presentation covers both the Polynesian expansion that connected the South Pacific and the European expansion that brought Spain to the New World. Key players,...

Eighth graders examine various maps associated with Hernando de Soto's expedition. By comparing their textbook maps with newer maps, they answer a battery of focus questions. Using Microsoft Word, 8th graders answer the questions...

In this Spanish exploration activity, students read assigned textbook pages and respond to 29 multiple choice and short answer questions about the reading.

Tenth graders examine the consequences of Spanish exploration of the New World on animals, humans, and plants. They read and discuss an informational handout, define key vocabulary terms, and complete a Venn Diagram with Old World and...

Eleventh graders examine the significant consequences of Spanish exploration and settlement of the New World on animals, humans, and plants. They read and discuss an informational handout, define key vocabulary terms, and complete a...

In this Age of Exploration activity, students respond to 17 short answer questions that require them to identify people and events associated with the Exploration Age.

Students create step books to illustrate important events. They discuss how to do things "step by step" and prepare pages to illustrate steps. They select a conquistador and create a step book to illustrate his biographical...

Fourth graders access the Internet using a TrackStar. They research Marcos de Niza, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and Estavan the Moor while determining the reasons for Spanish exploration. They examine the Seven Cities of Gold, and...