The Age of Exploration Group Work
Did the explorers who came to America have a positive or negative impact?
Topics
Portuguese Explorers
Columbian Exchange
Spanish Explorers
Spanish Settlements
Explorers and Settlements
English
Dutch
French
Group Activities
Group 1- Portuguese Explorers
Who in society today can you compare Portuguese explorers to? Why?
What dangers did both face?
What basics of exploration did the Portuguese establish?
Why did they want to explore?
Did they accomplish their goal?
Would the world be better off if they did not explore? Explain your answer
Group 2 – Columbus
Was Columbus a hero or a villain?
Give details to support your answer
Your group does not have to agree on the answer – You could split and prepare to debate the question
Group 3 – Spanish Conquistadors
What is a conquistador?
Was the Spanish treatment of Native Americans acceptable?
Give specific details and examples to support your answer Your group does not have to agree on the answer – You could split and prepare to debate the question
Group 4 – Spanish Settlements
What are the three types of settlements?
Be sure to give details of who was in charge of them and what purpose they had
What was the best type of settlement that the Spanish set up?
Rank them from the Spanish government perspective
Explain your ranking
Rank them from the Native American perspective
Explain your ranking
Did your rankings change? Why?
Group 5 – European Explorers
What were the reasons that the English, Dutch and French started to explore?
What was the water passage called?
Did they find it?
Does it exist? Be able to explain in detail
Which of the three countries was most successful? Rank them 1 – 3 and be able to explain your ranking
How did they treat Native Americans?
Useful Links
General Links -
The National Museum of American History
The Columbian Exchange -
North Carolina Digital History
Khan Academy - The Columbian Exchange
Khan Academy - Comparing Cultures
Crash Course - The Columbian Exchange
Portuguese Explorers -
CBS News - How Portugal became the first global sea power
Columbus, de Gama... (start at 4 minutes and 25 seconds)
Spanish Conquistadors
Conquistadors of the Southwest
Education Portal - The Conquistadors
Discovery video - Conquistadors
Khan Academy - Spanish Explorers
European Explorers
Major Northwest Passage Expeditions
Arctic Melt Opens Northwest Passage
Colonial Williamsburg - The Northwest Passage
French and Dutch Explorers Video - Khan Academy
English Explorers Video - Khan Academy
Epic Quest for the Northwest Passage
Spanish Settlements
