Exploring the Explorers

Laura Sugano, April, 2011

Social Studies 5.2.1 Describe the entrepreneurial characteristics of early explorers. 5.2.2 Explain the aims, obstacles and accomplishments of the explorers.Language Arts 2.2 Analyze text that is organized in sequential or chronological order. 2.4 Draw inferences, conclusions, or generalizations about text and support them with textual evidence and prior knowledge.

Magellan

Ponce de Leon

Columbus

Coronado

BalboaCabeza de Vaca

Cortes

Who were these men?

Let’s find out more

Estevanico

Galilleo

Cabrillo

De Soto

De PortolaDe Gama

Example: Christopher Columbus

Click here to read one biography of Columbus.

With your group, read one copy and highlight important points.

Now, work together to answer these questions:

(RH) What was the date Columbus set sail with his three ships?

(RH) Name the three ships of the 1492 expedition.

(TS) How old was Columbus when he was on a ship that was attacked by the French off the coast of Portugal?

(TS) Why did Columbus call the people of the Bahamas “Indians?”

(OMO) With your group, choose 3 adjectives that describe Columbus. Now, choose 3 adjectives that would NOT be used to describe Columbus.

Your turn! Choose a biography. Print it, read it, and highlight it with your group.

• Francisco Vasquez de Coronado• Hernando Cortes• Estevanico• Cabeza de Vaca• Ferdinand Magellan• Juan Ponce de Leon

Now, your group writes the questions!

Requirements:2 right here (RH) questions. The answers are found right in the text.

2 think and search (TS) questions. These require some searching, thinking, or calculating.1 on my own (OMO) question. These questions require discussion and your opinions.

All done?• Bring your questions to the teacher for

approval.

• Rewrite any questions that aren’t approved.

• I will help you swap biographies and approved questions with another group.

• Read the new biographies and questions and answer them. Turn the work in as a group.

Summary

• To conclude, get together with the group that swapped biographies with you.

• Each group must share 1 thing they learned about EACH explorer (the one you wrote questions for and the one you swapped )

• Spokesperson: Be prepared to share something you learned with the class when I call on your group.