Student Activities for Age of Exploration in America
Essential Questions for the Age of Exploration in America
- What were the reasons behind European exploration?
- Why is the Age of Exploration considered a turning point in history?
- What were the results of the “Columbian Exchange?”
- Why were the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies founded?
- What was the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke?
The Age of Exploration
Before the 1400s, the 'Known World' was limited to Europe, parts of Africa, and parts of Asia. Most people believed the world was smaller, and flatter, than it actually is. Most sea travel was limited to the coasts, for many that ventured farther did not return. Transportation over land was often dangerous and tedious, but despite that, explorers of the Middle Ages, like Marco Polo, made their way into Asia and opened trade routes. Other boundaries were blocked by Muslim territory or open ocean. Despite this, the Black Death in the 13th century limited trade and travel, and decimated the European population.
Near the beginning of the 15th century, shipwrights developed vessels that could travel farther than previous models. Navigation with star charts allowed ships to stay on course, and more accurately chart new territory. Portugal, Spain, Italy, and other countries began sending expeditions along the coast of Africa and beyond. Christopher Columbus is one of the most famous explorers, but others like Amerigo Vespucci, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, and Ferdinand Magellan, also made extraordinary discoveries in the New World.
The period between the 1400s to 1600s is known as the Age of Exploration, or the Age of Discovery. The discoveries made by European explorers allowed for a greater understanding of the American continents, and the people that live on them. These discoveries and exchanges between the Western and Eastern Hemisphere during the Age of Exploration have forever changed the history of the world, for both better and worse. New innovations in shipbuilding and navigation allowed explorers to discover unknown lands and create lucrative trade routes that were previously unobtainable.
How Tos about The Age of Exploration in America
Engage students with an interactive Age of Exploration map project
Design a classroom map activity to involve students in exploring routes taken by famous explorers. This hands-on project helps students visualize the journeys and fosters deeper understanding of the era’s global connections.
Gather key map resources and materials
Collect blank world maps, colored pencils, and reference materials such as textbooks or trusted websites. Having resources ready ensures students have everything they need to track explorers’ paths accurately.
Assign explorers and research their routes
Let each student or group pick an explorer like Columbus, Magellan, or Vespucci. Guide them to research their explorer’s journey using books or digital sources, focusing on start points, destinations, and discoveries.
Plot explorer routes and add creative details
Have students draw and color the routes on their maps, marking important stops and events. Encourage creativity by adding symbols, dates, and illustrations that highlight key moments along each journey.
Present and discuss findings with the class
Invite students to share their maps and explain what they learned about their assigned explorer’s impact. Lead a discussion about how these voyages changed history and connected different parts of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Age of Exploration in America
What is the Age of Exploration in America?
The Age of Exploration in America refers to the period between the 1400s and 1600s when European explorers discovered and mapped new lands, connecting Europe, Asia, and the New World. This era led to major historical changes, including global trade and the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases.
Why is the Age of Exploration considered a turning point in history?
The Age of Exploration is a turning point because it established lasting connections between continents, dramatically impacted global trade, and reshaped societies through exchanges of people, goods, and cultures. These changes set the stage for the modern world.
What were the main reasons behind European exploration?
European exploration was driven by economic ambitions (seeking new trade routes and wealth), political competition, religious motivations (spreading Christianity), and advances in navigation and shipbuilding technology.
How did new navigational technologies impact explorers during the Age of Discovery?
Innovations like improved ships and star charts allowed explorers to travel farther, chart new territories accurately, and establish new trade routes, making long-distance sea voyages safer and more successful.
What was the Columbian Exchange and why was it important?
The Columbian Exchange was the transfer of plants, animals, people, and diseases between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres after European contact with the Americas. It had a profound impact on agriculture, populations, and cultures worldwide.
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