BEFORE THE VOYAGE
OCTOBER 14 & 15, 2014
Students will be introduced to the voyage of Christopher Columbus in their social studies class on October 14, 2014. We will talk about the following topics in class:
- Who was Christopher Columbus? What's his background?
- Why did Spain fund Columbus and how his home-country of Italy?
- Why did European countries want to explore and expand in the 15th century?
Tuesday, October 14th
ANTICIPATORY SET
First, we will work on a "KWL" sheet about Christopher Columbus then move on to an Introductory video on Columbus
First, we will work on a "KWL" sheet about Christopher Columbus then move on to an Introductory video on Columbus
IN-CLASS
Looking at the sources below in the library, discuss in your groups the following questions and scenarios: (each person should be writing down the answers)
Looking at the sources below in the library, discuss in your groups the following questions and scenarios: (each person should be writing down the answers)
- Who was Christopher Columbus? Where was he from? Was he an ambitious person?
- Why did he choose to explore the New World? Who funded him?
- If you were King of Italy would you have funded Columbus's voyage? Why or why not?
- What was the intent of Columbus's voyage in 1492?
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
As you leave the room, you will place a sticky-note on the corresponding "traffic light" -- remember to give examples of why you chose the color you did. We will go over any questions tomorrow before class.
As you leave the room, you will place a sticky-note on the corresponding "traffic light" -- remember to give examples of why you chose the color you did. We will go over any questions tomorrow before class.
HOMEWORK
- Write a one page summary of what you've learned from today's readings in your Historical Journal -- be sure to include your opinion answering our Unit Question: Was Christopher Columbus a Hero or a Villain?
- Create your dipity (see the Social Studies homepage for the rubric), add at least 5 events to your dipity on Christopher Columbus, and SHARE YOUR DIPITY WITH ME!
Wednesday, October 15th
ANTICIPATORY SET
"KWL" re-visit. Filling in the "L" or possible more "W" if the readings have sparked more questions
"KWL" re-visit. Filling in the "L" or possible more "W" if the readings have sparked more questions
IN-CLASS
You will work with your table of four people. For each of the following people, you will decide how they felt about Columbus leaving on his three ships, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. In your short response, remember to include their feelings about not only his trip but also him and how and what they want to come back with (imagine you are in their shoes).
After our like-groups have shared their feelings, we will come back together as a class and take a look at how the other nations of Europe felt about exploration. Were they into it, too? Or did they think Spain was crazy?
You will work with your table of four people. For each of the following people, you will decide how they felt about Columbus leaving on his three ships, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. In your short response, remember to include their feelings about not only his trip but also him and how and what they want to come back with (imagine you are in their shoes).
- The King of Spain
- A deck-hand on the Pinta
- Columbus's mother
- The King of England
After our like-groups have shared their feelings, we will come back together as a class and take a look at how the other nations of Europe felt about exploration. Were they into it, too? Or did they think Spain was crazy?
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Participation and cooperative collaboration will be grade for this in-class assignment
Participation and cooperative collaboration will be grade for this in-class assignment
HOMEWORK
Write a half-page summary of how you feel about Christopher Columbus up to this point. Your response should answer our Unit Question: Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?
Write a half-page summary of how you feel about Christopher Columbus up to this point. Your response should answer our Unit Question: Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?