European Exploration of North America
Learning Objective
I can describe reasons why Europeans explored North America and what happened when they met Native Americans.
Lesson Flow
Watch Video
The New World: European Age of Exploration in the Americas
Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel
Guided Notes
Key concepts students will learn:
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The European Age of Exploration, from the early 1400s through the 1600s, involved European nations exploring the world and finding new routes to places like India and the Americas.
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Christopher Columbus, sponsored by the Spanish monarchs Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, set sail in 1492 with the intention of finding a new route to the East Indies, but instead landed in the Caribbean Islands.
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The arrival of European explorers had a devastating impact on the Indigenous Taino people, who faced enslavement, exposure to new diseases, and ultimately a significant decline in their population by the mid-1500s.
Practice
9 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
“Name two reasons why Europeans wanted to explore North America. Also, describe one thing that happened to the Native Americans when the Europeans arrived.”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
