
Exploring European Exploration of New York
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did the motivations and actions of early European explorers and settlers shape the social, economic, and geographic landscape of colonial New York, and what lasting impacts did these explorations have on its future development and the indigenous peoples?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- Who were the main European explorers of New York, and what were their motivations?
- How did European exploration impact the indigenous peoples of New York?
- What role did trading posts and missions play in the colonization of New York?
- How did New York's geographic features influence exploration and settlement patterns?
- In what ways did early European exploration and settlement shape New York's future development?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Identify key European explorers who contributed to the exploration and settlement of New York, describing their motivations and objectives.
- Analyze the impact of European exploration and settlement on the indigenous peoples of New York, considering social, economic, and cultural aspects.
- Understand how trading posts and missions served as catalysts for colonization in New York and their significance in cultural exchanges.
- Examine the geographical features of New York and how they influenced the exploration routes and settlement sites of Europeans.
- Evaluate the long-term effects of European exploration and settlement on New York's development and the enduring impact on its indigenous peoples.
New York Social Studies Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Maps Exploration
Introduce students to a collection of old, mysterious maps with no labels and ask them to deduce possible routes taken by early European explorers in New York. Students will be intrigued by the task of uncovering which routes match historical records, sparking curiosity about how explorers navigated unknown terrains.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Impact Investigation
Students explore how European exploration impacted the indigenous peoples of New York. This involves analyzing cultural, social, and economic changes that resulted from European settlements.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 comparative analysis document highlighting the transformation in indigenous communities.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal of analyzing the impact of European exploration on indigenous peoples.Trading Post Diaries
Students write fictional diary entries from the perspective of individuals who lived at trading posts. This helps them understand the daily life and cultural exchanges occurring in these early settlements.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 collection of diary entries depicting life at a trading post, showcasing different perspectives.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports understanding trading posts' roles and cultural significance as per learning goals.Mapmakers' Challenge
Create maps that reflect early exploration routes in colonial New York, emphasizing geographical features that influenced exploration and settlement.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 modern map highlighting exploration routes and geographic influences.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsExamines geographical features that influenced exploration as per learning goals.Legacy Reflection
Students evaluate the long-term effects of European exploration and settlement on New York's development, considering their enduring impact on both the state and its indigenous peoples.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 reflective essay discussing the lasting impacts of European exploration on New York.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEvaluates the long-term effects of exploration as per learning goals.Explorer Profiles
Students research and create profiles for key European explorers who contributed to the exploration and settlement of New York. This activity helps students understand the motivations and backgrounds of these explorers.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 detailed profile for each explorer, highlighting their motivations and contributions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 4.3.a, focusing on identifying key European explorers and their objectives.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEarly European Explorers in New York
Understanding of Historical Impact
This category evaluates the depth of students' understanding of the impact of European exploration on the indigenous peoples of New York.Cultural and Social Change
Evaluates students' analysis of cultural and social changes experienced by indigenous peoples post-European exploration.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of cultural and social changes with detailed examples and primary source evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a thorough analysis of cultural and social changes with relevant examples, supported by evidence.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis with some examples; limited evidence used.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal analysis with few or no examples or evidence.
Economic Impact Analysis
Evaluates students' understanding of economic changes resulting from European exploration.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a deep understanding with examples of economic transformations and uses of primary sources effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsShows a clear understanding of significant economic changes with relevant examples.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some economic changes with limited detail or examples.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited or unclear understanding of economic changes with inadequate examples.
Engagement with Historical Perspectives
This category measures the ability to understand and express diverse historical perspectives, particularly through the 'Trading Post Diaries' activity.Perspective and Empathy
Assesses students' ability to accurately and empathetically portray historical perspectives through diary entries.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits a nuanced portrayal with insightful empathy and understanding of historical context across multiple perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately portrays multiple perspectives with clear empathy and historical context.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to portray different perspectives with partial empathy and limited historical context.
Beginning
1 PointsAttempts show limited empathy and lack historical context, often from one perspective only.
Geographic and Analytical Skills
This category assesses the student's ability to analyze geographic features influencing exploration through the 'Mapmakers' Challenge'.Interpretation of Maps
Evaluates how well students identify exploration routes and geographical influences.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates detailed and accurate maps with insightful annotations explaining geographic influences.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces accurate maps with clear annotations about geographic influences.
Developing
2 PointsMaps are partially complete with some annotations; general explanation of geographic influences.
Beginning
1 PointsMaps are incomplete or inaccurate with few or no explanations of geographic influences.
Long-term Impact and Reflection
Assesses students' ability to evaluate and reflect on the long-term impacts of early exploration as seen in the 'Legacy Reflection'.Reflective Analysis
Measures the quality of students' reflective essays on the enduring impacts of exploration.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a deeply reflective and well-supported analysis, integrating multiple perspectives and evaluating long-term effects.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers clear and supported reflections evaluating both positive and negative impacts.
Developing
2 PointsReflects on impacts with partial development and supports basic claims with some evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsReflective analysis is limited and lacks substantial evidence or perspective comparison.