WEB SITES ON EXPLORERS AND
THE AGE OF EXPLORATION
FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Access these sites through your computer’s Internet connection. Open the underlined address (URL). Information can be printed or downloaded to your computer. Be sure to follow links to other sites and find your way back with the “Back” button. Also, we indicate where we found broken links in webquests. You will need to supply your own links.
All of the sites listed
were active as of
1492: AN ONGOING
VOYAGE
http://www.ibiblio.org/expo/1492.exhibit/Intro.html
An online Library of Congress exhibit with six sections:
What Came to Be Called “
AMERICAN JOURNEYS:
EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS OF EARLY AMERICAN EXPLORATION NEW!
http://www.americanjourneys.org/
“American
Journeys contains more than 18,000 pages of eyewitness accounts of North
American exploration, from the sagas of Vikings in Canada in AD1000 to the
diaries of mountain men in the Rockies 800 years later.
Read
the words of explorers, Indians, missionaries, traders and settlers as they
lived through the founding moments of American history. View, search, print, or
download more than 150 rare books, original manuscripts, and classic travel
narratives from the library and archives of the
To get started, simply select an activity on the toolbar above.” Outstanding. Excellent
THE
A detailed multimedia account of
the Congo Expedition from 1909 to 1915 in
THE
CONQUISTADORS – START THE ADVENTURE
http://www.pbs.org/opb/conquistadors/home.htm
An Online Learning Adventure on the Conquistadors for 6-12
grades. Sections: Timeline of Conquest
(choose Events Timeline or Disease Timeline), Michael’s Journal (journal of
producer of series who followed the trail of the Conquistadors), What Do You
Think? (message forum-can read but not post), and Teacher’s Guide. Excellent
DISCOVERERS
WEB START
HERE!
http://www.win.tue.nl/cs/fm/engels/discovery/index.html
Links to a massive amount of information on explorers from
the Ancient World to the 20th century and from
DISCOVERING LEWIS AND CLARK
Focuses on Persistent Issues, Core
Values and Changing Visions. An enormous
site with 1,400 pages including a 19-part synopsis of the expedition by
historian Harry Fritz including selections from the journals, photographs, maps,
animated graphics, moving pictures and sound files. Outstanding.
Excellent
DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION NEW!
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/dsxphome.html
An American Memory collection of maps and illustrations
documenting the discovery and exploration of the continents and their interiors
from the 15th to the 19th centuries. See the List or use the Gallery View for
thumbnails of the maps. Good
EDUCATION WORLD – THE
GREAT EXPLORERS!
http://www.education-world.com/a_special/millenium_02.shtml
Education World’s look at the Great Explorers of the Millennium. Sections: Lessons of the Explorers, Exploring the World-Virtually, A New Twist on Explorers, and Great Sites for Teaching About Explorers. Excellent - See also the Lesson Plans section
EMPIRE OF THE BAY
http://www.pbs.org/empireofthebay/
Companion web site for the PBS program Empire of the Bay about the bold
explorers of the Hudson Bay Company who “tamed a wilderness” as they set up
merchant routes. Includes:
Empire of
the Bay Transcript; Maps – Paths of the Explorers; Forum – Ask
the Experts; Profiles- Who Were the Pathfinders?; Quiz – Test Your Knowledge;
and a Timeline. Excellent
EXPLORERS
– 42EXPLORE NEW URL!
http://www.42explore2.com/explorers.htm
A gateway site on explorers with links to web sites on
explorers, activities, web quests and sites by kids for kids. Excellent
EXPLORERS
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/explorer.html
A gateway site with links to explorers and expeditions,
lesson plans, activities, and more.
Excellent
EXPLORERS OF THE
MILLENNIUM NEW!
http://library.thinkquest.org/4034/
A student-created site for upper elementary and junior high students on explorers. Sections: Hall of Fame, Timeline, Nominations, Explorer Quiz, and Explorer Links. Excellent
FILL UP THE CANVAS: RIVERS OF
WORDS – EXPLORING WITH LEWIS & CLARK NEW!
http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/lewisandclark/index.html
An outstanding site on the Lewis & Clark Expedition with
Flash. Click on each step of the journey
to view original documents, illustrations, etc.
Excellent
GOD, GLORY AND
GOLD - THE ROOTS OF EXPLORATION NEW!
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002760/
A site for elementary students by students on why men explored the world. Sections: Pirates, Shipwrecks, Explorers, Myths, Navigation, Trade, Poetry, and Games. Excellent
HENRY
HUDSON – 17TH CENTURY EXPLORER
http://www.ianchadwick.com/hudson/
A detailed collection of information on English explorer
and mariner Henry Hudson. Sections:
Early Years, First Voyage 1607, Second Voyage 1608, Third Voyage 1609, Fourth
Voyage 1610, Aftermath, Family Tree, Short Story, and links. Excellent
HISTORY MYSTERY – EXPLORATION
GAMES NEW!
http://teacher.scholastic.com/histmyst/index.asp
Three games for students, two on explorers and one on the Vikings. Excellent
THE
http://www.historyglobe.com/jamestown/
“In 1606, some 105 adventurers
set off from
You are the Captain of the
KIDS ONLINE RESOURCES
http://www.kidsolr.com/history/page2.html
Extensive list of links on explorers. Sections: Explorers, Vikings, The English and Conquistadors. Excellent
LEWIS & CLARK –
42EXPLORE NEW!
http://www.42explore2.com/lewisclark.htm
Basic information for students on the Lewis & Clark expedition with links, games, webquests and more. Excellent
LEWIS & CLARK – THE
JOURNEY OF THE CORPS OF DISCOVERY NEW!
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/
A PBS companion site to the Ken Burns film on Lewis & Clark. Sections:
Inside the Corps, Native Americans, The Archive, Into the Unknown,
Interactive Trail Map, Classroom Resources, Living History and more. The Classroom Resources section includes Lesson Plans. Excellent
LEWIS & CLARK MEGASITE NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/
A portal site on the Lewis & Clark Expedition from the National
Geographic. Includes an Interactive
Journey Log, Expedition Records and More, a movie clip, Photo Gallery and much
more. Excellent
SECRETS OF THE ICE: AN
ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION NEW!
http://www.secretsoftheice.org/
“Between 1999 - 2002,
scientists from 19 countries have been traversing
SPANISH
EXPLORATION AND CONQUEST OF NATIVE
http://www.vaca.com/index.html
Details the exploration and conquest of Native America by
THE
TRAVELS OF IBN BATTUTA – A VIRTUAL TOUR WITH THE 14TH CENTURY
TRAVELER
http://www.sfusd.edu/schwww/sch618/Ibn_Battuta/Ibn_Battuta_Rihla.html
An account of the travels of the little-known 14th
century explorer Ibn Battuta. Includes
photos, illustrations, and maps. Each
section includes links to additional information. Outstanding.
Excellent
VIKING EXPLORATION AND SETTLEMENT
http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/vikingexplor.htm
Long before
VIRTUAL
http://www.civilization.ca/vmnf/explor/explcd_e.html
A virtual
VOYAGE
OF DOOM
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lasalle/
Companion site to the Nova program “ Voyage of Doom” which
chronicles the discovery and excavation of French explorer Robert Cavalier
Sieur de La Salle’s ship, the Belle, which sank off the coast of
VOYAGE
OF EXPLORATION – DISCOVERING NEW HORIZONS – A THINKQUEST SITE NEW URL!
http://library.thinkquest.org/C001692/
A Thinkquest site on exploration. Sections: Home World, Great Explorers (with a
quiz for each), Expeditions (with quizzes), Navigation (how they did it), New
Horizons (the future), Why Explore? (why they did it) and Teacher World (score
tracking and activities). Excellent
ZOOM
EXPLORERS
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/
Web site for elementary students on explorers. Search alphabetically, by region, or by
century. Gives a brief description of
the explorer and his expedition.
Includes maps showing some of their routes and illustrations where
portraits are available. Excellent
CAPTAIN COOK – VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY
http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/museum/cook/cook.html
Three interactive maps show Cook’s
voyages of discovery. Click on the
darkened areas to see artifacts Cook collected from that region. Very Good
CHRISTOPHER’S
CROSSING – GAME NEW!
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec670/Cardboard/Board/C/Columbus.html
A game for upper elementary students on
ENDEAVOUR
http://www.barkendeavour.com.au/
James Cook’s bark Endeavor has been re-created and sails
out of
EUROPEAN EXPLORERS
ELEMENTARY THEME PAGE
http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/explorer.htm
Information on European explorers arranged by country. Includes links to European explorers in the “
THE
EXPLORATION AGE NEW!
http://www.geocities.com/rdl_wcw_wwf_fan/TOE.html
A site for students on the Age of
Exploration. Includes pictures, essays,
general information, biographies and more.
Very Good
EXPLORERS
THEME PAGE
http://www.cln.org/themes/explorers.html
A gateway site with links to curricular resources for
information on explorers and instructional resources for lesson plans. Very Good
FAMOUS EXPLORERS AND RESOURCES ABOUT
http://www.suelebeau.com/explorers.htm
A page of links suitable for students about explorers and Columbus. Very Good
THE FATE OF
NEW!
http://www.ric.edu/rpotter/SJFranklin.html
Information on the
explorations of Sir John Franklin, the searches for the lost ships and
more. A very extensive site. “The
disappearance of Sir John Franklin and his crew in what is now the Canadian
Arctic set off one of the greatest rescue operations in the history of
exploration.
FORBIDDEN TERRITORY: STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/lantern/
A magic lantern show on the
explorations of Stanley and Livingstone in
GO WEST ACROSS
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/west/
A fun online game in which students travel with the expedition and help them with decision-making. Very Good
THE HALL OF SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/halls/sci
Interviews with 20th
century scientists and explorers.
Explorers include: Robert D. Ballard, Sylvia Earle, Sir Edmund Hillary
and Donna Shirley. Very Good
MATTHEW A. HENSON MEMORIAL WEB SITE http://www.matthewhenson.com/
Information on this
African-American who co-discovered the North Pole with Peary in 1909. Includes: Peary’s Diary Published on the
Internet, Henson Literature (free literature to be downloaded on and by
Henson), a Henson exhibit, a student presentation, a Lowell Thomas 1939
interview with Henson, audio recording of Peary. (Note: This site addresses the controversy in
which some claimed that Henson did not co-discover the North Pole. Some strong opinions are expressed.) Very Good
OPERATION
PHIPS – ARCHEOLOGICAL RESCUE
http://www.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/pamu/champs/archeo/epaphips/wreck01.htm
An account of the excavation of the Anse aux Bouleaux, a
ship from the fleet of Sir William Phips, which was sunk 1690 in the estuary of
the
RACE TO THE END OF THE EARTH NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/0002/race_to_end/index.html
A National Geographic Kids feature on the race between Amundsen and
Scott to reach the South Pole.
Appropriate for grades 4-6. Very
Good
REFERENCE
RESOURCES: FAMOUS EXPLORERS NEW!
http://www.kidinfo.com/American_History/Explorers.html
A huge site with links to a large number of
websites on famous explorers. Very Good
VIRTUAL
EXPLORATION SOCIETY NEW!
http://www.unmuseum.mus.pa.us/ves.htm
Eleven brief essays on explorers and their
explorations. Includes: Louis Bleriot,
Amelia Earhart, Roy Chapman Andrews, Matthew Henson and more. Appropriate for upper elementary students and
up. Very Good
YOU WOULDN’T WANT TO BE A POLAR EXPLORER –
WEB BOOK NEW!
http://www.salariya.com/web_books/explorer/index.html
“An
Expedition You Wouldn’t Want to Go On - Get ready...as a brave young sailor
looking for adventure, you are about to
join Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to icy Antarctica as a polar explorer. I T' S F R E E Z I N G ! To use this Web Book place your cursor over
the images to see the comments as you explore the Antarctic. Click on Next and
Previous to navigate through the sections, or use the list of contents on the
left. Based on the book You Wouldn't
Want to Be a Polar Explorer!” A
fun illustrated book about Shackleton’s expedition to
ZOOM INTO MAPS NEW!
http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/maps/exploration.html
Early maps of the western hemisphere. Very Good
THE AGE OF DISCOVERY – 1340-1600 http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/shepherd/explorer_map_shepherd.jpg
A detailed map showing the voyages
of English, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese explorers. Slow to load but worth a look. Good
ANTARCTIC EXPLORERS NEW!
http://www.south-pole.com/homepage.html
Click on the History tab and then Explorers for a list of
Antarctic explorers and information on their explorations in
AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS http://www.davidreilly.com/australian_explorers/
Information for elementary students on Australian
explorers. Until the 18th
century
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS: A CULINARY HISTORY
http://www.castellobanfi.com/features/story_3.html
An article from Castello Banfi vineyard about the
provisions about
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS CROSSWORD
PUZZLE NEW!
http://www.aves.ednet.ns.ca/gr/columbus.htm
A brief crossword puzzle suitable for upper elementary students. Good
CHRISTOPHER
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/columbus.htm
Links to sites on
THE
http://www1.minn.net/~keithp/index.htm
Explores the navigation methods used by
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trt038.html
An exhibit of the report of
COOK’S FIRST VOYAGE –
1768-1771 NEW!
http://www.muffley.net/pacific/cook/cook1.htm
An examination of the reasons for Cook’s voyage and the places he visited. Good
CYBERHUNT
– AHOY
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/columbus.htm
Seven questions with links to find the
answers. For elementary students. Good
THE
DEATH OF MAGELLAN 1521
http://www.ibiscom.com/magellan.htm
A brief account of the death of the explorer and mariner
Ferdinand Magellan in a battle with natives on an island in the
THE
EUROPEAN VOYAGES OF EXPLORATION
1415-1650 NEW URL!
http://www.thenagain.info/WebChron//WestEurope/Voyages.Chron.html
A timeline of European voyages of exploration with links
to short articles on some of the expeditions.
Good
EXPLORATION
– HOT TOPIC LIST NEW!
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/slezak/exhotlist.html
A topic list with links to sites on
explorers. Sections: English Explorers,
French Explorers, Portuguese Explorers, Spanish Explorers, Dutch Explorers,
Viking Explorers and Additional Resources.
Good
EXPLORER
POEMS BY STUDENTS
http://www.kathimitchell.com/explpoe.htm
Simple poems by elementary students on various
explorers. Use as a basis for students’
own poems. Good
EXPLORERS NEW!
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002428F/
A website on explorers for primary students. Includes: Magellan, Cortez, Columbus, Ericson and Drake. Note: The Drake link doesn’t work. Good
EXPLORERS HOTLIST NEW!
http://www.clairbournlibrary.org/Explorers%20Hotlist.htm#deSoto
A page of links to sites on explorers.
Good
EXPLORERS
OF THE WORLD
http://www.bham.wednet.edu/bio/explore.htm
A web site for students on the kind of people who choose a
life of exploration. Covers explorers of
Land, Sea, Water, and Art. Good
EXPLORING THE
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm069.html
“John White, one of the company sent by Sir Walter Raleigh to establish
an English colony on Roanoke Island in 1585, went at least twice to the
http://www.floridahistory.org/floridians/conquis.htm
A brief history of the
FRAY
JUNIPERO SERRA
http://www.padreserra.org/serra.htm
Chronicles the life of Father Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan
friar who explored what was to become
HALL
OF EXPLORERS NEW!
http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/tmp/burger/folktale/index.html
A site appropriate for upper elementary
students on explorers. Includes a list
of links to brief articles about the explorer.
Good
LATITUDE- THE ART AND SCIENCE OF 15TH CENTURY
NAVIGATION
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~feegi/
Shows the tremendous importance of
the Portuguese advances in navigation that allowed explorers to determine their
position with greater accuracy. Good
MARCO POLO AND HIS TRAVELS NEW!
http://www.silk-road.com/artl/marcopolo.shtml
A brief account of the journey of Marco Polo in the 13th and 14th centuries. Good
MARCO
POLO – ON THE TARTARS – MEDIEVAL SOURCEBOOK
NEW!
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/mpolo44-46.html
“Of the origin of the kingdom of the
Tartars--of the quarter from whence they came--and of their former subjection
to Un-khan, a prince of the north, called also Prester John.” Good
MARCO POLO – THE GLORIES OF KINGSAY (
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/polo-kinsay.html
“Marco Polo returned to Venice, his hometown,
in 1295 after an absence of twenty-five years in the East. He claimed to have
spent seventeen years in the service of Kublai Khan, ruler of the Mongols and
of the largest empire in the world. He had many stories to tell. These stories
were eventually written down by Rustichiello of
MARCO
POLO THEME PAGE NEW!
http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/expolo.htm
Links for elementary students on Marco
Polo. Note: We found a couple of broken
links on this page. Good
http://www.mchsmuseum.com/historymenu.html
The first section of this site gives a history of the
early exploration of the
PASSAGES:
A TREASURE TROVE OF NORTH AMERICAN EXPLORATION
NEW URL!
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/2/8/index-e.html
Information from the National Library of Canada on
exploration in
THE PORTUGUESE ROLE
IN EXPLORING AND MAPPING THE NEW WORLD
NEW!
http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/portam/role.html
Examines the primary role of
SAMUEL
DE CHAMPLAIN’S 1607 MAP
http://lcweb.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr009.html
Considered an American Treasure, this is the original map
hand-drawn on vellum for presentation to the king of
SHIPS OF DISCOVERY
http://www.shipsofdiscovery.org/
Information on how excavation of
shipwrecks is contributing to our understanding of the early explorers. Sections:
SOUTH-POLE.COM
http://www.south-pole.com/homepage.html
“Welcome to the
home page of South-Pole.com. This site is dedicated to the heroic explorers of
our polar regions and the surrounding islands. The tales of these brave souls
were often related in expedition mail sent home to anxious loved ones and
beneficiaries.”
Focusing
on the mail sent home from Antarctic expeditions, the site uses excerpts from
the explorers. Click on the names of the
explorers for in-depth articles about each one.
Good
TAKING ON THE WORLD! EUROPEAN EXPLORERS NEW!
http://library.thinkquest.org/6174/
Information for elementary students by students on 8 explorers including Columbus, Magellan, Hudson. Includes an Activities section with a puzzle and a quiz and a Resources section with references. Good
WOMEN
EXPLORERS NEW!
http://www.distinguishedwomen.com/subject/explore.html
Links to information on women explorers.
Good
LESSON PLANS &
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
THE
AGE OF EXPLORATION ONLINE CURRICULUM GUIDE – THE MARINER’S MUSEUM NEW URL!
http://www.mariner.org/educationalad/ageofex/index.php
An online curriculum guide to the Age of Exploration from
the Ancient World to the 19th century. Each chapter discusses the major
explorations. There are timelines,
vocabulary and biographies of the great explorers. The activities section for Teachers and
Students is extensive. Outstanding. Excellent
http://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=1125
A classroom activity for grades 3-5 on
DISCOVERY CHANNELS: INVESTIGATING THE LEGACIES OF EXPLORATION AND
COLONIZATION – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20001009monday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on the legacy of the Age of Exploration. “In this lesson, students explore the issues surrounding the celebration of Columbus Day and investigate the impact and legacy of exploration and colonization through group research. Students synthesize the information they have gathered and create a first person narrative about exploration and colonization.” Excellent
THE DISCOVERY OF
http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/972.html
A play script for elementary students on early explorers. Excellent
EDUCATION WORLD – THE
GREAT EXPLORERS! - LESSON PLANS
http://www.education-world.com/a_special/millenium_02.shtml
Education World’s look at the Great Explorers of the Millennium. Sections: Lessons of the Explorers, Exploring the World-Virtually, A New Twist on Explorers, and Great Sites for Teaching About Explorers. Excellent - See also the Websites section
EXPLORE THE EXPLORERS
ONLINE – LESSON PLANNING ARTICLE NEW!
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson081.shtml
A lesson planning article with suggestions for lesson plans on explorers. Excellent
EXPLORERS – ACTIVITIES AND QUIZZES
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/explorers/explorers_start.htm
Lists explorers or groups of explorers with a brief essay
on each. Each has several activities and a quiz. Includes a multiple choice quiz on all the
explorers plus Hangman and Challenge games.
Excellent
EXPLORER’S EXPERIENCE – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2365/
A lesson plan for grade 5. “Students will discuss the concept of exploration. They will research a world explorer and prepare maps of the routes traveled. Students will create a papier-mache map to represent the explorer’s journey.” Excellent
LEWIS AND CLARK: FACING CHALLENGES, REAL AND IMAGINED – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/06/g35/challenges.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on the obstacles the expedition
would have faced. “Before the Lewis and
MARCO POLO TAKES A TRIP –
LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=451
A lesson plan for grades. “In
this lesson, students will learn about the remarkable travels of Marco Polo.
They will consult maps to locate
ON THE ROAD WITH MARCO
POLO – CURRICULUM UNIT NEW!
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=488
A 7-lesson curriculum unit focusing on Marco Polo and his travels
for grades 3-5. “In
this curriculum unit, students will become Marco Polo adventurers, following
his route to and from
ON THIS DAY WITH LEWIS AND
CLARK – LESSON UNIT NEW!
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=297
A unit of 5 lessons examining the explorations of Lewis and Clark
for grades 3-5. “During much of their journey,
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark had no idea what they would encounter next.
And, in a sense, that is how everyone lives every day. Even when we think we
know what's around the corner, life can throw surprises at us. The story of
Lewis and Clark is the universal story of human beings dealing with the
unexpected. It's also great entertainment with a compelling cast of
characters—an adventure, a road trip, a buddy story. It's about teamwork and
failure and success. It brims with history and science.
Looking at historic maps of the West, students can begin to appreciate
the immensity and mystery of the mission Lewis and
OTHER WORLDS: THE VOYAGE OF
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=322
A lesson plan
for grades 9-12 on
STORIES THAT GO WITH THE TERRITORY: UNCOVERING THE TALES OF FAMOUS
EXPLORERS AND THEIR EXPEDITIONS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20010828tuesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on explorers. “In this lesson, students investigate various expeditions throughout history to new and/or uncharted territories. Students then work in groups to develop and 'produce' television news magazine segments about some of these historic expeditions.” Excellent
THE TRAVELS OF IBN
BATTUTA – LESSON PLAN
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/10/g35/tgbattuta.html
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on Islamic explorer Ibn Battuta. “In this lesson, students will work in groups to research the different areas that the 14th century Islamic traveler Ibn Battuta visited. They will review some of the basics of Islam, and create posters illustrating what they have learned about Ibn Battuta. [Note: It would be ideal if students could have studied some of the basics of the Islamic religion before doing this lesson.]” Excellent
USGS RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ABOUT LEWIS
& CLARK NEW!
http://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/lewisclark/lc_usgseducation.html
“The
USGS publishes nearly 100,000 different maps, aerial photographs, books,
booklets, posters, CDs, digital data, and satellite imagery, many of which are
useful for teaching about Lewis and Clark, Native Americans, and the cultural
and physical geography of the United States, past and present.
These resources can be used in an inquiry-based setting in a variety of courses
and projects at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. In
addition, the USGS hosts Internet-based resources that can be used for teaching
about Lewis and Clark.
Descriptions of some of these items and how to use them in education are at left.” Excellent
WANTED: EXPLORERS - CLASS PROJECT NEW!
http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/KingsParkES/technology/t4t/explorers/
A webquest for 2nd grade students. “Introduction: Are you looking for adventure?? Do you enjoy exploring the unknown and learning new things? The North American Geographic Society has an opportunity for you. We are recruiting interested parties to explore uncharted territories and interact with the natives. Adventurers will experience wondrous opportunities: ● going on explorations ● bartering for goods ● making maps and learning about new people and lands” This project uses the “THE CASE OF THE MISSING TRUNKS – WEBQUEST” as an integral part of the project. See the Webquests section. Excellent
WEB DE ANZA
ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY – LESSON PLANS NEW!
http://anza.uoregon.edu/teacher.html
“A web site created to be a
collegial, teacher centered, resource focusing on meeting teacher needs in
applying Web de Anza , a web based study environment designed to promote historical inquiry about
Juan Bautista de Anza and his two 18th century expeditions from northern Mexico
to Northern California” Take time to explore this site which contains
several linked lesson plans. Excellent
WHAT WAS
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=257
A lesson plan for grades 3-5 on
In this lesson, students read excerpts from
WHICH WAY DID THEY GO? – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/17/g68/whichway.html
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on
explorers. “Throughout history, explorers
have searched for the quickest, easiest, and most lucrative routes between two
locations. In what is now the
[Note: A similar lesson detailing the exploration of your own state or country would be a useful complement in a history class and introduce a new way for your students to see the region. Research and good topographic maps of the location are necessary for maximum effect.]” Excellent
A CLOSER LOOK AT
http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/guides/honduras/honcolumbus.html
A lesson plan
for grades 10-12 on
COMING TO THE
http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/museum/cook/cook.html
A project for 6th grade
students in which student take on the role of early explorers as they search
for a route to
CONQUISTADORS: FRANCISCO PIZARRO –LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/pizarro/
A lesson plan on Pizarro for
grades 9-12. “Students will
● determine the reasons for
Francisco Pizarro's success in vanquishing the Incas; and ●write a paper
explaining their conclusions.” Very
Good
CONQUISTADORS: HERNÁN CORTÉS – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/cortes/
A lesson plan for grades 9-12 on Cortés. Very Good
CONTACT:
NEW!
A unit of lesson plans for grades
K-2 on the explorations of
CULTURE CLASH: NEW WORLD MEETS OLD – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/cultureclash/
A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on
- Demonstrate understanding of basic
facts about Christopher Columbus and different theories regarding his
background.
- Discuss the different experts and
resources involved in trying to solve the mystery of
- Write their own opinion about
OCTOBER THEME – EXPLORERS NEW!
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/explorers.html
A collection of activities and links on explorers suitable for elementary students on up. Very Good
EUROPEAN EXPLORER
POEM – LESSON PLAN NEW!
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSArtLAEuropeanExplorerPoem4.htm
A lesson plan for 4th grade students in which students describe a European explorer in a poem. Good
WEBQUESTS
ADVENTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN: A WEBQUEST ON THE LEWIS AND
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/lewisclark/
A webquest for 5th
grade students in which teams of students “join” the Lewis and Clark Expedition
taking on the roles of Indian affairs expert, botanist, zoologist, and
topographer. Excellent
BACK
TO THE AGE OF EXPLORATION – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/models/Explorers/index.html
A webquest on
the Age of Exploration. “The
BE BRAVE! EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN WORLD! (SAFE
RETURN NOT GUARANTEED) – WEBQUEST NEW!
A webquest on
European explorers for 5th grade students. “The desire to explore the unknown has been
a driving force in human history since the dawn of time. Early
adventurers were motivated to: find their fortune, become a famous name
in history, claim new lands for their country, spread their religion, bring
back spices and jewels or find a faster and cheaper route to foreign
countries. The captain of the ship (explorer) needed money and
manpower along with support from a rich benefactor. Most voyages were
made in the name of the royal ruler of the country. The crewmen who signed
on to these long and dangerous voyages were not always experienced seamen, but
large numbers of them were needed to help man the sails and allow for losses
from death and illness (it was a very dangerous adventure!)
The
captain (explorer) himself was not always an experienced seaman. Desire
for wealth and fame were often his only motivations for undertaking such
dangerous voyages. The ships were often old, but the captain took what he
was given and began his voyage into the unknown looking for a specific land or
route, surprises were many.
The explorers are still looking for adventuresome volunteers to sail into the unknown. Will you be brave enough to join them? They will be setting sail soon. Hurry and pack your few belongings. Don't forget to bring all the paper you can and a writing utensil in order to record the amazing new sights you'll see. You should be prepared to take notes on what you do; after all, the reputation of your captain depends upon you. By making a PowerPoint presentation and a newspaper of your journeys, you will be revealing the secrets of the unknown to the rest of the civilized world.” Note: We found a couple of broken links on this site. Excellent
A CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.coe.ilstu.edu/jabraun/students/holt/
A webquest for 5th and 6th graders in which students form a jury in a trial to determine whether Christopher Columbus was a “fraudulent historical figure”. Sections: FAQ-Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Christopher Columbus; An Overview of the Christopher Columbus Court Hearing; Your Task, as the Jury; What Have You Learned?; and Resources. Excellent
EARLY OCEAN EXPLORERS
– WEBQUEST NEW!
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/encanto/earlyexplorers/
A webquest on
early explorers for 5th grade students. “Have you ever watched the sun set over the
ocean? Doesn't it look like it gets swallowed by the seas? You know that the
earth is round, but imagine yourself living in the mid 1400's. The early
explorers didn't know if there was something beyond the horizon. Many people of
the time thought the earth was flat, and that you would fall off the edge if
you went too far. These individuals' desire for adventure on the high seas was
stronger than their fear.
The local historical society would like to create a mural in the city's central library commemorating the early explorers. Your group has been asked to submit a proposal for this memorial.” Excellent
EUROPEAN EXPLORERS OF EARLY
http://www.mhcbe.ab.ca/st_francis/gr5/WebQuests/Explorers/Explorers.htm
A webquest for 5th
grade students on the early European explorers of
EXPLORATION WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.asij.ac.jp/elementary/links/webquests/explorer/G5_expl_intro.htm
A
webquest on exploration for 5th grade students. “Her Majesty Queen Isabella of
EXPLORATIONS OF THE NEW WORLD – A WEBQUEST NEW!
http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/go/edis771/fall99webquests/student/srebeccaandrews/home.html
A webquest on explorers for
elementary students focusing on Columbus, Ponce de Leon or Champlain or
Cabot. “Have you ever wondered what it
would be like to set sail on a ship bound for an unknown land? Well, now is
your chance to be part of history. Our class is going to journey back in
space and time to join the famous explorers of the
EXPLORER WEBQUEST NEW!
http://coe.west.asu.edu/students/eringstrom/explorer/
A webquest on explorers for 5th grade students. “Every student will research on one of four prominent explorers Christopher Columbus, Hernando DeSoto, Hernan Cortes, John Cabot for background information on what it takes to be an explorer. Students will create an inspiration web for their chosen explorer. Part two of the task, the student will collaborate with their group to create a persuasive PowerPoint presentation to council (the class) as to why their group should be chosen to be the first to explore the new island. The presentation must include traits of a successful explorer gathered from their previous research. The council (class) will decide if the group will be rewarded the task of exploring and claiming the new island utilizing a rubric. As an extension students can also create explorer trading cards using the digital camera. Finally, after the students have presented and shared their persuasive PowerPoint they will write a short story about their travels to the new island.” Excellent
EXPLORERS – A FIFTH GRADE WEBQUEST NEW!
http://ele.n-polk.k12.ia.us/WebQuest/eplorers/explorers_index.html
A webquest on explorers for 5th grade students. “The King seeks to hire an experienced sailor, to help find new lands filled with valuable resources. He is willing to pay this person top dollar. Many men have applied for the position. It is your job, as part of the search committee, to determine which applicant is best suited for the position. You must then make a presentation to the search committee and the King detailing your reasoning for this selection. Good luck!” Excellent
EXPLORING EXPLORERS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/grant/explorers/
A webquest on
explorers for grades 5-8. “Explorers
have always been adventurous people. Their motivations vary from the desire for
wealth and fame to a quest for knowledge. Some expeditions are more successful
and others more dangerous, but all are interesting! Historians even question
some explorer's real contribution to the future.
We
have discovered a need information in a convenient location on explorers of the
past and their contributions to the future.
Your class has been invited to create a quick reference guide, Exploring Explorers, to be an addition to the school library to help fill this need.” Excellent
4TH GRADE EXPLORER WEBQUEST NEW!
http://herrickses.org/searingtown/explorers/home.htm
A webquest on
explorers for 4th grade students. “You are to become an explorer for our
NEW WORLD EXPLORERS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.schools.manatee.k12.fl.us/webdisk/landers/WebPages/explorers/explorers.html
A webquest for upper elementary students/middle school students on explorers. “You will choose an explorer to research. Next, you will need to create an Inspiration diagram to help you plan your research. This diagram will also be used for note-taking and to record useful website addresses for your explorer. You will compile all the information you have been able to gather on your explorer and create a Keynote presentation for the class.” Note: We found a couple of broken links on this site. Excellent
SIGNIFICANT EXPLORERS AND CIVILIZATIONS OF THE
http://www.burke.k12.nc.us/instructionaltech/webquests/explorers/
A webquest on
explorers for 5th grade students. “Beginning
with the Vikings in the 8th century, the
Explorers have had various reasons for
risking their lives when setting out across the world. Marco Polo was searching
for new trade routes, David Livingston traveled across Africa as a missionary,
while others were motivated by the need to chart and map new areas.
In this webquest, you will find out what drove the exploration for these significant explorers and how did the motives for explorations differ from country to country?” Excellent
TREASURES FROM THE PAST: AN EXPLORATION WEBQUEST NEW!
http://coe.west.asu.edu/students/dschoettlin/webquest2/explorers.htm
A webquest for 5th
grade students on explorers. “In this WebQuest, you and your group will take on
the role of archeologists who have found the missing treasure chest of a famous
explorer. You want to share your fascinating discovery with the rest of the
world, but first you must convince the board members of your local museum that
the treasure chest is authentic (real). With your group, you will investigate a
famous explorer then use your imagination to create the treasure chest that
your archaeological group found.
Your
Captain's Chest will contain the following items:
- A map of your explorer's voyage
- Explorer's Journal
- Artifacts
- Navigational Tools
- A timeline of the major events that
occurred during the explorer's voyage(s).
After completing your treasure chest, you will present it to the board members at the museum (the class) for analysis. They will determine whether or not the chest and its contents are authentic and deserve world wide recognition.” Note: We found a few broken links among the large number of links on this site. Excellent
WE WANT YOU TO SAIL THE OCEAN BLUE –
WEBQUEST NEW!
http://192.107.108.56/portfolios/m/malave_j/explorers_web/
A webquest on
exploration for 5th grade students.
“IMAGINE THIS:
It is the year 1590, and you are living in
Ship
Crew Wanted for Voyage to the
Captain
Malave has received a charter from Your Majesty the King to set sail west
across the vast blue ocean in search for unclaimed land in the
AN ADVENTURE TO THE NEW WORLD – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/newworld/
A webquest on
explorers for junior high students. “Instructions from the King and Queen
You, as an agent for the King and Queen,
are hereby authorized to make a journey to the
Your mission is to claim all land for
the monarchy, locate a new trading route across the ocean, look for the
ARE
YOU READY TO EXPLORE THE WORLD? – EXPLORER WEBQUEST
http://auden.webster.edu/~hillso/explorer.htm
A webquest for upper elementary students on
explorers. “Exploration is
a very important part of our history. Without the explorers we would not have
found the "
EXPLORERS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/go/edis771/fall98webquests/student/skristinsmith/introex.htm
A webquest for elementary students on explorers. “YOU have been selected to help design the newest line of trading cards. Your job is to create the first ever Explorer Trading Cards. These cards will look similar to Baseball cards, but instead of having batting averages, the cards will have facts about the explorers major discoveries. Using the information that is provided below and the other additional sources, you will select the information that will be printed on the cards for everyone to see. These cards will be sold nationwide beginning next year, so we need your help soon. Good luck! We look forward to seeing your final products!” Note: A lot of the links on this site are broken. Very Good
EXPLORERS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/pershing/explorers/
A webquest for 7th grade
students on explorers. “You
will make a Pop Up book. Your Pop Up book will consist of several pages:
- Explorer page number 1-
Choose an explorer of the
- Explorer page number 2-
Describe your explorer's accomplishment.
- Indian page (indigent population)-
Describe an indigent population that came into contact with your explorer.
- Your choice- Describe the effect or
consequence of your explorer's accomplishment (on local population,
environment, human rights, life in
THE CASE OF THE MISSING TRUNKS – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/KingsParkES/technology/webquests/explorers/
A webquest for
middle school students on explorers. “Task: Your parents have called
the
- Name of explorer
- Date of the explorer's birth and death
- Country the explorer sailed for
- Voyage dates
- Country of intended destination and
where they actually landed if it was different
- Discoveries
- Interesting facts that you want the
Port Authority to know
You
will use the items in the trunk to illustrate the points of your talk. For
instance, if you find a newspaper from the year 1492, written in Spanish, you
might assume that the trunk belongs to Christopher Columbus. To the Port
Authority you might say that Christopher Columbus sailed for Queen Isabella of
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~jv2x/wq.html
A webquest on
The HCS wants you to type up a two page essay, double-spaced, that either
expands on a factual point or exposes a fallacy within the history text.
Once this task has been completed the HCS requests that you either compose or
respond to a letter to the publisher that emphasizes the importance of
including factual accounts in history books.”
Very small print makes this hard to read but the process is very
good. Good
EXPLORATION – ATTRACTING EXPLORERS –
WEBQUEST NEW!
http://web1.umkc.edu/mceeeconandhist/students/webquest/exploration/attract_expl.htm
A webquest comparing space
exploration to historical explorations. “ With
the International Space Station, Alpha,
now a reality, Earthlings are closer than ever to colonizing space. Space is as
much an unknown frontier to us as unmapped parts of the Earth were to early
explorers. What similarities do we share with those early explorers?
TASK
You see the entrepreneurial possibilities of colonizing space. However, you are a firm believer that we must learn from the past. Therefore, you will make a cost-benefit chart of becoming an explorer during the 1400 and 1680s and another one for you today.” Good
EXPLORERS WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.jjn.gsacrd.ab.ca/studentpub/projects/webquest/NEWEXP~1.HTM
A webquest for
5th grade students on explorers. “The
grade 5 students at
EXPLORERS
WEBQUEST NEW!
http://www.pps.k12.va.us/schools/caes/room413/ExplorerWQ.html
A webquest for upper elementary/middle school students on explorers. “Good
day young reporters. The Grand Council is going to celebrate its first
Explorers Day Festival. We need information about four explorers who sailed the
seas and discovered things about the "
Task:
Your group will research 4 early
explorers. You will describe their accomplishments by: ● Stating what country the explorer was working for. ● Identifying his reason for exploring.
● Listing 3 items of
information that he found.
●Describing the successes or accomplishments of the explorer.” Note: We found a couple of broken links on this site. Good
NAVIGATING NEW WORLDS – EXPLORERS ON THE
WEB – WEBQUEST NEW!
http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/slezak/explorerindex.html
A webquest on
explorers for upper elementary/middle school students. “You will work with a partner to search the internet
and identify what drove the exploration of an explorer of your choice. During
your search you will be looking for certain aspects of his exploration. Once
you have obtained these aspects, you will be able to complete the following:
- Create a PowerPoint Presentation on your
explorer.
- Compose a paragraph describing your
explorer's role in exploration.” Good
A VOYAGE BACK TO 1492 – WEBQUEST NEW!
A webquest on
DISCLAIMER: WE ARE UNABLE TO CHECK EVERY LINK WITHIN
EVERY SITE.
You are welcome to post
our website list on your website. You
must post the entire list as written and credit and link back to the
Prepared by the
October 2005