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Overview: This lesson analzes maps from before, during and after the voyages of Columbus. Objectives: 1. Students will understand the historical time when Columbus was exploring. 2. Students will understand how maps reflect the exploration of the New World.
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Grade Level: 7-9 Subjects: American History, Geography, Latin American History Required Materials 1. “Putting America on the Map” by Tod Olson with Jim Clement 2. Maps A, B, C from “Putting America on the Map” By Tod Olson with Jim Clement for each student 3. Blank paper for each student 4. A globe Optional Technologies:
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Suggested
Procedure: 1.On a blank piece of paper, have students draw a mental map of the world (Make sure all maps in the room are covered!) 2. Discuss – which areas of the world are most/least accurate? Why do you think this is so? If someone has a part of the world accurate that most do not – ask why? (usually they have been there, lived there, or learned about that place somehow!) 3. Hand out maps A, B, C and have students individually put the maps in order from oldest to newest. Discuss why they put them in that order – what did they see on the maps that led them to conclude one was older or newer than others? (correct order is CAB) 4. Have students keep the maps on their desks and read through “Putting America on the Map” together. Have a globe handy to show students visually the theories of Ptolemy and Columbus about the size of the world and the size of the ocean. Also, refer students back to maps A, B, C at appropriate points during the reading. 6. Discuss the reading and the maps: a. Could they have drawn their maps of the world without the 1492 voyage? b. How many of you learned that people believed the world was flat at the time of Columbus? Why do you think this is so? c. Even though Columbus may not have known where he was, is his contribution still important? Why or Why not? d. Why is Columbus better known to most Americans than Magellan or Vespucci? e. If you were to put yourself in Columbus’ shoes, would you have gone on the journey? Why or Why not? Suggested Assessment: Contributions to class discussion would be the assessment for this lesson. Extension Activity: Discuss how maps are made today compared to Columbus’ time. |
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Credits Lindsay Gaida, Eden Prairie Central Middle School |
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