European Exploration

Students learn about navigational tools used by the European explorers. Then they examine the 3 Gs—gold, God, and glory—that motivated the Europeans. Finally they interpret a map of the Americas drawn by a Spanish cartographer in 1590.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for European Exploration:

Experience Summary
Printable overview of the learning experience with student activities and teaching options.
Attributions

Overview

In this experience, students learn about navigational tools used by the European explorers. Then they examine the 3 Gs—gold, God, and glory—that motivated the Europeans. Finally they interpret a map of the Americas drawn by a Spanish cartographer in 1590.

If you have access to leveled readers about early European explorers or expeditions, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 30-40 minutes

Vocabulary words:

motivate, motivation
claim
continental United States

Objective

Explain why European nations sent explorers to the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

Engage

Beginning in the late 1400s, some European sailors began traveling across oceans to explore and trade in new places. These voyages changed many parts of the world. In this lesson, you will learn why European leaders and explorers wanted to travel so far and what these journeys meant for the people they met.

Objective

Explain why European nations sent explorers to the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

Detail from the Ortelius Map, 1590

In addition to sea-worthy ships, name a tool that may have helped the explorers on their trips.

Post your answer

Sample answers: maps, compasses, clocks, astrolabes.

The Student Pack includes several links to articles (with images) of some of the early European navigation tools. You can also combine this lesson with a science lesson to demonstrate how the tools aided in navigation.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

The Complete List of Learning Experiences in European Exploration and Settlement Unit.