Created by: Christian Scott, Lyndon K-8, Boston Public Schools
The Age of Discovery
These lessons are designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of the period of early contact between Europeans and Indigenous peoples. Both travel narratives and maps will be used as source material. The materials here present an almost exclusively European perspective; because of this it is important to provide context for the materials. Ask students to consider the author or cartographer's audience, as well as their cultural background. Also, where possible, ask students to consider what the encounters would have looked like from the Indigenous perspective.
Lesson Objectives:
Students will be able to make connections between textual and visual sources. Students will be able to describe similarities and differences between the two mediums and postulate their own conclusions on how these works relate.
Grade Level:
This lesson would be suitable for students from Grades 7 - 12, it would be suitable for classes studying Geography, World History, Humanities and Atlantic History
Procedures:
Review previous materials in the course that may relate to Pre-Columbian America and the Age of Exploration. Establish geographic setting with an emphasis on the Western Hemisphere. Students and teacher will read selections aloud with discussion and interpretations of the passages to follow. The instructor should lead with a group introduction of the map and the tools that allow students to explore it.
Graphic organizer (link on next page)
Print one packet per student. Packets may be converted to an online document, but this is not recommended as many questions involve looking at the online map. Model how to complete the first page of the packet. Students are given independent work time to complete graphic organizer with a computer to examine the maps and writings in detail. Regroup to share findings and impressions
Standards:
Common Core Secondary ELA and Social Studies
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6
Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author's point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.9
Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6
Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author's point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.9
Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.