Exploring the New World
Of course, these lands were not being discovered, but re-discovered. The land already belonged to the Aztecs, Mayans, Inuit, and Native Americans who lived there. At the time, the Europeans believed it was not only their duty to bring the native “savages” the message of Christ, but also to take home riches for their king.
These explorers did not bring families, because they did not intend to stay in the New World for long. They traveled about to see what the land was like, claimed it for their king, and then returned home with their riches.
In Class Activities 9/17/13:
- Discussed the terms explorer and conquistador
- Reviewed the explorations of Spanish Explorers: Cortes, de Soto, de Leon, and Coronado
- Looked at the work of Northeast Explorers: Cartier, Champlain and Cabot
- Built our own wooden boats and designed our own country's flag to sail for
- Collected golden chocolate coins and discussed the history of both gold and chocolate
Optional Lesson Extension Activities:- PBS has a great online learning adventure focused on the conquistadors. It is designed for students a bit older, but my crew enjoyed it. There are also some wonderful lesson plans in the teaching guide.
- Build an Aztec pyramid out of empty boxes.
- Read a series of biographies such as: Explorers who Got Lost
Assignment: In preparation for our next class please have your child read History Cards #6 & 7, covering the settlement of Virginia.
