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Explore the New Worlds

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Tamara Gonzales

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Explore the New Worlds

Understand colonial explorations

In this lesson, students will embark on a virtual exploration journey, simulating the experiences of explorers during the era of colonial expansion. They'll learn about the motivations, challenges, and impacts of these explorations on indigenous populations. This lesson is important as it helps students understand historical perspectives and the complexities of cultural interactions, fostering critical thinking and empathy.

Audience

Grade 7 Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand colonial explorations

Materials

Discussion Questions, Worksheet: Explorer's Journey, Quiz: Colonial Explorations, and Answer Key: Colonial Explorations

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief overview of the era of colonial expansion.
  • Explain the objectives of the lesson: to explore the motivations, challenges, and impacts of these explorations.

Step 2

Virtual Exploration Activity

20 mins

  • Guide students through a virtual exploration journey.
  • Use a map to show key exploration routes and discuss the explorers' motivations.
  • Highlight the challenges faced during these journeys.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

  • Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions.
  • Encourage students to think about the impacts on indigenous populations and the ethical considerations of exploration.

Step 4

Worksheet Activity

5 mins

  • Distribute the 'Explorer's Journey' worksheet.
  • Allow students to complete the worksheet individually, reflecting on what they learned.

Step 5

Closure and Quiz

5 mins

  • Summarize the key points of the lesson.
  • Administer the 'Colonial Explorations' quiz to assess understanding.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on the impacts of colonial explorations.

What were the main motivations for explorers during the colonial era?

Discuss economic, religious, and political motivations.







What challenges did explorers face during their journeys?

Consider geographical, logistical, and interpersonal challenges.







How did these explorations impact indigenous populations?

Explore both positive and negative impacts, including cultural exchanges and conflicts.







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Worksheet

Explorer's Journey

A worksheet for students to reflect on the experiences of explorers and the impacts of their journeys.

List three motivations for explorers during the colonial era.

Think about economic, religious, and political reasons.







Describe one major challenge faced by explorers.

Consider the environment, resources, or interactions with indigenous peoples.







Reflect on how these explorations affected indigenous populations.

Consider both immediate and long-term effects.







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Quiz

Colonial Explorations

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Answer Key

Answer Key: Colonial Explorations

The answer key for the Colonial Explorations quiz, providing correct answers and explanations.

What was a primary motivation for colonial explorers?

Economic gain
Explorers were often driven by the potential for economic gain through trade and resource acquisition.

Which of the following was a common challenge for explorers?

Hostile environments
Explorers frequently encountered hostile environments that made their journeys difficult.

What was one impact of colonial explorations on indigenous populations?

Cultural exchange
Colonial explorations often led to cultural exchanges, though not always positive.

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