Columbus' Voyage: Exploring History and Literacy
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did Christopher Columbus's voyage affect the world?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- Who was Christopher Columbus?
- What were the reasons behind Christopher Columbus's voyage?
- What were the conditions of life on board during the voyage?
- What impact did Christopher Columbus's arrival have on the indigenous people?
- How did Christopher Columbus's voyage contribute to the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the historical context of Christopher Columbus's voyage.
- Analyze the motivations and consequences of Columbus's voyage.
- Evaluate the impact of Columbus's arrival on indigenous populations.
- Examine the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Trade Game: Europe vs. the Americas
Students participate in a simulation game where they represent either European or indigenous societies. Each side possesses unique resources and needs. Through trading 'goods' (represented by classroom objects), students experience the economic and cultural exchange that occurred after Columbus's arrival, grappling with issues of supply, demand, and cultural impact.A World Map Puzzle - Before and After
The class receives two giant world map puzzles: one depicting the world as Europeans knew it before 1492, and another showing the world after Columbus's voyages. Groups race to assemble the puzzles, then analyze the differences, discussing what was 'missing' from the first map and the implications of the changes.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Columbus: The Man, The Myth, The Voyage
Students begin by researching Christopher Columbus's early life, motivations, and the historical context surrounding his voyage. They will use primary and secondary sources to gather information, focusing on understanding the European perspective and the conditions that led to the voyage.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short biography of Columbus, detailing his early life, motivations, and the historical context of his voyage, presented as a written report or a short video.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of understanding the historical context of Christopher Columbus's voyage and analyzing the motivations behind it. Aligns with ESL standards by building vocabulary and comprehension skills through research.Voyage Log: Life Aboard the Ships
Students explore the realities of life on board Columbus's ships. They will investigate the daily routines, challenges, and conditions faced by the crew, including diet, health, and navigation. This activity aims to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience during the voyage.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of diary entries or a narrative account from the perspective of a crew member on one of Columbus's ships, detailing the daily life, challenges, and conditions faced during the voyage.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of understanding the historical context of Christopher Columbus's voyage. Enhances English literacy by developing narrative writing skills and historical perspective.The Meeting of Worlds: Indigenous Perspectives
Students shift their focus to the impact of Columbus's arrival on the indigenous populations of the Americas. They will research the cultures, societies, and perspectives of the native peoples who first encountered Columbus and his crew, examining the immediate and long-term consequences of this interaction.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation or report from the perspective of an indigenous person encountering Columbus, detailing their initial impressions, experiences, and the impact of the encounter on their community. This can be presented as a written report, a dramatic monologue, or a visual presentation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of evaluating the impact of Columbus's arrival on indigenous populations. Supports ESL standards by encouraging perspective-taking and cross-cultural understanding.The Columbian Exchange: Goods, Ideas, and Cultures
Students investigate the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas following Columbus's voyage. They will examine the specific items, technologies, and cultural practices that were exchanged, analyzing the impact of this exchange on both sides of the Atlantic.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn illustrated timeline or interactive map showcasing the Columbian Exchange, highlighting the key goods, ideas, and cultural practices that were exchanged between Europe and the Americas, along with an analysis of their impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of examining the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas. Enhances English literacy by developing research, analysis, and presentation skills.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioChristopher Columbus and the Meeting of Worlds Portfolio Rubric
Historical Context and Motivations
Understanding the historical context of Columbus's voyage, his motivations, and the conditions that enabled his exploration.Research and Accuracy
Demonstrates accurate and thorough research of Columbus's early life, motivations, and the historical context of his voyage.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and accurate account of Columbus's early life, motivations, and the historical context, demonstrating deep research and understanding. Integrates multiple sources effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a mostly accurate account of Columbus's early life, motivations, and the historical context, demonstrating solid research and understanding.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic account of Columbus's early life, motivations, and the historical context, but may contain some inaccuracies or lack depth.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a limited or inaccurate account of Columbus's early life, motivations, and the historical context, demonstrating minimal research and understanding.
Clarity and Organization
Presents information clearly and logically, creating a coherent narrative of Columbus's background and voyage.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents information in a highly organized and coherent manner, with clear transitions and a compelling narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information in a generally organized and coherent manner, with mostly clear transitions.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information with some organization, but may lack clarity or coherence in places.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents information in a disorganized and incoherent manner, lacking clarity and logical flow.
Life Aboard and Challenges
Understanding the realities of life on board Columbus's ships, including daily routines, challenges, and conditions faced by the crew.Details and Empathy
Incorporates specific details about the daily routines, diet, and challenges faced by sailors during Columbus's voyage, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a vivid and detailed portrayal of life on board, capturing the challenges and conditions faced by the crew with strong empathy and historical accuracy.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a detailed portrayal of life on board, capturing many of the challenges and conditions faced by the crew with empathy and historical accuracy.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic portrayal of life on board, mentioning some of the challenges and conditions faced by the crew with some empathy.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a limited portrayal of life on board, lacking details about the challenges and conditions faced by the crew and demonstrating minimal empathy.
Perspective and Narrative
Effectively uses a diary entry or narrative format to convey the experiences and perspectives of a crew member.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts a compelling and believable narrative from the perspective of a crew member, effectively conveying their experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a clear and understandable narrative from the perspective of a crew member, conveying their experiences and thoughts.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to create a narrative from the perspective of a crew member, but may lack clarity or detail.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create a narrative from the perspective of a crew member, lacking detail and perspective.
Indigenous Perspectives
Understanding the impact of Columbus's arrival on indigenous populations, researching their cultures, societies, and perspectives.Cultural Sensitivity and Accuracy
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and accurately represents the cultures, societies, and lifestyles of the indigenous peoples who encountered Columbus.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a nuanced and respectful portrayal of indigenous cultures, demonstrating a deep understanding and sensitivity to their perspectives and experiences.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides an accurate and respectful portrayal of indigenous cultures, demonstrating a good understanding of their perspectives and experiences.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic portrayal of indigenous cultures, but may lack depth or contain some generalizations.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a limited or inaccurate portrayal of indigenous cultures, demonstrating minimal understanding or sensitivity.
Impact Analysis
Analyzes the immediate and long-term consequences of Columbus's arrival on indigenous populations, including the introduction of new diseases, cultural changes, and conflicts.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the consequences of Columbus's arrival, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complex and far-reaching impacts on indigenous populations.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate analysis of the consequences of Columbus's arrival, demonstrating a good understanding of the impacts on indigenous populations.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis of the consequences of Columbus's arrival, but may lack depth or detail.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a limited or superficial analysis of the consequences of Columbus's arrival, demonstrating minimal understanding of the impacts on indigenous populations.
The Columbian Exchange
Investigating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas following Columbus's voyage.Identification and Research
Identifies and researches the key goods, plants, animals, and technologies that were exchanged between Europe and the Americas during the Columbian Exchange.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies a wide range of goods, plants, animals, and technologies exchanged, providing detailed research on their origins, uses, and impact.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies many of the key goods, plants, animals, and technologies exchanged, providing solid research on their origins and uses.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some of the goods, plants, animals, and technologies exchanged, but research may be limited or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsIdentifies few of the goods, plants, animals, and technologies exchanged, demonstrating minimal research.
Impact Analysis and Presentation
Analyzes the positive and negative impacts of the Columbian Exchange on the economies, societies, and environments of both Europe and the Americas, presenting findings clearly and effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the positive and negative impacts of the Columbian Exchange, presenting findings in a clear, engaging, and visually appealing manner.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate analysis of the positive and negative impacts of the Columbian Exchange, presenting findings effectively.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis of the impacts of the Columbian Exchange, but may lack depth or clarity in presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a limited or superficial analysis of the impacts of the Columbian Exchange, with a poorly organized or unclear presentation.