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Age of Exploration - Mariners' Museum
Grades
3 to 7
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Learn about the courageous voyages that changed the course of human history with this comprehensive collection of activities, narratives, and teaching materials. Visual images and text...more
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Learn about the courageous voyages that changed the course of human history with this comprehensive collection of activities, narratives, and teaching materials. Visual images and text are woven together to create a useful resource for content enrichment and student research. Visit the "Activities for Students and Teachers" for ready-to-go activities with printable handouts that can be incorporated into transparencies, presentations, or reports.
tag(s): explorers (72)
In the Classroom
Use the activities portion of this site to add enrichment to your classroom. There are plenty of quick projects and lesson plans, but there are also two interactive web games that could be used to help students review information. Save those particular portions of the site as favorites on your computer and use them for a learning center or station.
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1492 - An Ongoing Voyage - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12
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This site from the Library of Congress takes a detailed look at the variety of peoples and civilizations that were thriving on the American continents before they were "discovered"...more
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This site from the Library of Congress takes a detailed look at the variety of peoples and civilizations that were thriving on the American continents before they were "discovered" by the Europeans. The content includes native peoples of the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, and North America. Try this one as a counterpoint to a traditional explorers unit, or as part of a study of the Maya, Inca, or other native cultures.
tag(s): explorers (72), native americans (85)
In the Classroom
Use the images on this site to create a picture walk activity in your classroom. Select 10-15 of the more descriptive images, preferably with different subjects. Assign students to stand at specific images, rotating every 30-45 seconds. In that time, students should quickly jot down what they observe, infer and predict about each. After the walk is done, have a class discussion based on the notes that students have taken. This is a great way to introduce the beginnings of the New World in a non-lecture format.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Exploring a New Frontier - America's Space Program - Smithsonian
Grades
6 to 12
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This lesson unit from the National Park service offers a toolkit for learning about the space program of the 1960s. It introduces the formation of NASA and the evolution of ...more
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This lesson unit from the National Park service offers a toolkit for learning about the space program of the 1960s. It introduces the formation of NASA and the evolution of Cape Canaveral, Houston's manned spaceflight center, and other installations. While there's a lot of material here, teachers will no doubt need to use some of their own creativity to mold it into something that fits local needs. This site would be a great addition to a study of 20th century explorers.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans and classroom activities hosted on this site! Save this one as a favorite on your computer to allow for easy access and retrieval.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Early Explorers - University of Richmond
Grades
3 to 4
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Designed for third graders, this webquest offers a great way for students to explore the explorer of their choice from a set of selected links. The site asks for independent ...more
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Designed for third graders, this webquest offers a great way for students to explore the explorer of their choice from a set of selected links. The site asks for independent research on each explorer, and it expects a portfolio of maps, descriptions, and other facts as the result. Depending on your requirements, this site could serve as a packaged explorers unit. Well worth a look. Aligned to national standards.
In the Classroom
Use this webquest to help students understand more about the explorers who came to the New World, as well as some critical thinking skills. Have students complete the task in cooperative learning groups to review and re-enforce content learned in lecture or discussion. Social Studies teachers will appreciate the hands-on activity!Since the webquest was created, just a few of the links included have ceased working. Teachers will need to test all of them quickly and find replacements for sites where necessary.
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Discovering Lewis and Clark - VIAs Inc.
Grades
7 to 12
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Capture the excitement and adventure of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with this beautifully crafted and continually evolving multimedia site. Choose one of ten discovery paths and...more
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Capture the excitement and adventure of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with this beautifully crafted and continually evolving multimedia site. Choose one of ten discovery paths and enter the unchartered lands of early 19th century America. Visitors can see and experience the western United States through the eyes of the explorers, learn about the geography, flora and fauna, native peoples, and values and visions that defined their journey. This site has many possibilities for classroom use, but it stands out as an excellent tool for independent student research.
tag(s): jefferson (21), lewis and clark (18), louisiana (11), louisiana purchase (7)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a learning center or station during a unit on the two explorers and western expansion. Based on what they read, have students create a multi-media presentation summarizing the main points. Have students create a presentation using UtellStory, reviewed here. This site allows users to narrate a picture. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report. To find Creative Commons images for student projects (with credit, of course), try PhotoPin, reviewed here. Have students report the exploration as though it were a current event, using images from the site or other approved sources.
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America's Stone Age Explorers - NOVA
Grades
7 to 12
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Who were the very first Americans? This site explores evidence found by archeologists, examines artifacts found throughout the United States, and involves visitors in interpreting Stone...more
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Who were the very first Americans? This site explores evidence found by archeologists, examines artifacts found throughout the United States, and involves visitors in interpreting Stone Age tools. Includes interactive activities and a downloadable teacher's guide.
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans located in the classroom activities section. (located in the teacher guide) These lesson connect the history lesson to biology and the study of genetic traits, a very interesting inter-disciplinary focus.
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The Mighty Mississippi - MSNBC
Grades
8 to 12
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The history and splendor of one of America's most storied rivers is brought to life in this elegant site by MSNBC. An August 2004 trek down the full length ...more
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The history and splendor of one of America's most storied rivers is brought to life in this elegant site by MSNBC. An August 2004 trek down the full length of the Mississippi is carefully documented and interwoven with information about the geology, economic impact, navigation, history, and exploration of the river. A short video highlights the history of the Mississippi, from the days of its earliest explorers to the present. Each segment of the site offers slideshows, video, photographs, descriptive text, and interactive quizzes. Add this resource to an American history or geography lesson, or incorporate it into a literature unit on Mark Twain.
tag(s): literature (257), mark twain (9), mississippi (6)
In the Classroom
For a history classroom, use this site to complement almost a year long class of American History. Starting with the Louisiana purchase, the Mississippi became a vital component of American trade and settlement patterns, all of which can be reflected by the variety of stories found on every mile southward. With every unit in a history class, there is a mile on the Mississippi that is applicable. Tie in unit endings with the free resources offered by MSNBC, whether it be video, slides, quizzes or a story. Students will enjoy seeing the impacts of history in our world today!
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Polar Husky - NOMADS
Grades
1 to 12
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Participate in an amazing exploration with this virtual field trip of the Arctic. Follow the Team Arctic Transect 2004 and their 31 polar huskies on an unforgettable 3,000-mile adventure...more
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Participate in an amazing exploration with this virtual field trip of the Arctic. Follow the Team Arctic Transect 2004 and their 31 polar huskies on an unforgettable 3,000-mile adventure as they explore Nunavut, Canada's newest territory. Learn about arctic climate changes, meet Inuit Elders and students in remote communities, and discover the ecology of this isolated region. The team consists of six educators and explorers who comprehensively document their experiences on this interactive site. Free registration is required to download the curriculum and activity guide, and to participate in the on-line classroom features.
In the Classroom
Use the GoNorth! adventures to supplement a unit on Geography or Climate changes. Make sure to save the site as a favorite to allow for easy retrieval later.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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New France - New Horizons - Canadian Archives
Grades
9 to 12
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This history of French exploration and settlement in what is now Canada is elegantly designed, and it shows the striking contrast between the aims of French colonists and those of ...more
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This history of French exploration and settlement in what is now Canada is elegantly designed, and it shows the striking contrast between the aims of French colonists and those of their English counterparts to the south. Because the site relies almost entirely on archival images - with minimal explanatory text - it may be difficult for some students to use effectively. Still, the site offers a marked contrast to the "colonizing America" stories students hear more frequently.
tag(s): canada (31), colonial america (108), explorers (72), france (34)
In the Classroom
Use the images from this site to create a visual discovery activity. Select a few of the most powerful images and put them in a slideshow to show students. Show the images to students via interactive whiteboard or projector, and have students write down what they observe, infer and predict from each. After the class has finished with their reflections, go back to the images and discuss with students what they wrote down. Make sure when explaining the images and their importance that you are sure of what you are trying to portray with them. There is not a lot of information on this site beyond photos, so it will require information from elsewhere. Regardless, this is a great way to lead students through a lesson rather than a straight lecture.
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Dutch Exploration in America - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12
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This excellent effort by the Library of Congress at narrating the explorations and effects of Dutch exploration in North America is really better suited to post-secondary students....more
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This excellent effort by the Library of Congress at narrating the explorations and effects of Dutch exploration in North America is really better suited to post-secondary students. That said, motivated students will find the basics on the history of Dutch exploration and settlement, and some interesting background on the Dutch place names that persist in the U.S. today. Those interested in digging more deeply can learn more about the extent and influence of eighteenth century Dutch trade and exploration on the emerging American nation.
In the Classroom
Include the images and maps in the website to supplement your lecture. The text is probably too heavy for students to read, but it can easily be included in a class lecture. Save this site as a favorite and refer to it for images and primary sources. (although keep in mind - all the sources are in Dutch)Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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American Journeys - Wisconsin Historical Society
Grades
9 to 12
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The Wisconsin Historical Society offers this collection of first-hand accounts of historical events, from the early explorers through the settling of the United States. After a quirky...more
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The Wisconsin Historical Society offers this collection of first-hand accounts of historical events, from the early explorers through the settling of the United States. After a quirky search process, the site ultimately displays scanned images of venerable publications containing the material. While this approach is certainly historically accurate, it may be limiting for use with secondary students.
tag(s): primary sources (100)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans and classroom activities hosted on the "teachers" portion of this site! Teachers can also use this site to search for primary sources that can be utilized in their classroom during a unit on early American exploration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tall Ship Rose
Grades
4 to 12
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Though no longer used as a training vessel, this site about the Rose continues to show how sailing ships functioned as military vessels. There are several 360 degree quicktime images,...more
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Though no longer used as a training vessel, this site about the Rose continues to show how sailing ships functioned as military vessels. There are several 360 degree quicktime images, a "ropes" quiz, and a variety of text to explain how it all fit together. Tie this one into a discussion of explorers, the growth of international commerce, or the American clipper ships and gold rush.
tag(s): navy (9)
In the Classroom
Use the virtual tour on the interactive whiteboard to explore what ships were like in the early 18th century and before. This would be a great resource during a discussion of the military resources Americans had during the Revolution - the site can also be used as a learning center through incorporating the quizzes on classroom computers. A very cool site for a US history class!
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Historic Wings - Feature Stories
Grades
6 to 12
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If you'd like to incorporate elements of the history of aviation into a unit on science or history, this site's nice collection of features on significant aviation history events could...more
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If you'd like to incorporate elements of the history of aviation into a unit on science or history, this site's nice collection of features on significant aviation history events could be useful. There's a nice selection of items that spread over the years from the 1920s through the present. There could be more depth, but the essential information is presented well.
tag(s): air (139), aircraft (24), aviation (37), explorers (72)
In the Classroom
Each of the individual web explorations could easily be used to introduce separate units within a history class. When applicable, select the exploration you would like students to work on and save it as a favorite on classroom computers. Have students go through the information and make a quick and small poster to show what they have learned. We recommend an online poster creator such as Padlet (reviewed here). The site offers information commonly left out of textbooks, but still relevant enough to apply to the Standards of Learning. They definitely make for interesting activators or introductions to units.
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Charles Lindbergh
Grades
8 to 12
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Fans of the famous pilot will find this site has almost anything ever recorded about the aviator and his journeys. There is also information on several efforts to recreate the ...more
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Fans of the famous pilot will find this site has almost anything ever recorded about the aviator and his journeys. There is also information on several efforts to recreate the Ryan aircraft that Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic to Paris. Try this site as an add-in to a unit on the 1920s, an examination of the history of flight, or a unit on famous explorers or Americans.
In the Classroom
Open this site on the interactive whiteboard or projector and use it to introduce a lesson on the history of flight. Play the video clips for students before or after a lecture, depending on whether or not you want to preview or re-enforce the information.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Imaging Everest - Royal Geographic Society
Grades
6 to 12
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Would-be explorers chained to their computers will find this British chronicle of mountain-climbing in Nepal a great escape. The photo collections are available thematically, and they...more
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Would-be explorers chained to their computers will find this British chronicle of mountain-climbing in Nepal a great escape. The photo collections are available thematically, and they include some interesting categories dealing with the culture of the Himalayas. Of course, there are the obligatory homages to the climbers, especially Hillary. Many of these images aren't available elsewhere.
tag(s): mountains (17)
In the Classroom
Use this site as an activator, introducing the topic of Mt. Everest. This website would benefit a Geography class, exploring the significance of the Himalayas while simultaneously studying the geographic forces that made the mountain chain.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Exploration of Canada- Pathfinders and Passageways - National Library of Canada
Grades
4 to 12
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This site has wonderful resources for learning about Canadian history and Canadian explorers. Whether you're interested in early exploration in general, or specific history of the Nation,...more
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This site has wonderful resources for learning about Canadian history and Canadian explorers. Whether you're interested in early exploration in general, or specific history of the Nation, this site has information on each of Canada's multiple explorers, as well as a sequential look at the evolution of the landmass. A great site for social studies resources from the 11th through 20th Centuries.
In the Classroom
This site is a little text heavy, but the information is all interesting and pertinent to a study of world explorers. Use this site as a point of reference when learning about the explorers who began to colonize our neighbor to the North. The site has a lot of information but would also be great for shorter investigations. Refer students to the site if working on research projects of papers about explorers. The information makes for a great jumping off point, and is reliable.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mars For Kids - NASA
Grades
4 to 8
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NASA's Mars page for kids offers lots of interactive exploration options and an interactive Mars viewer. Teachers will also find links to more extensive NASA classroom resources on...more
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NASA's Mars page for kids offers lots of interactive exploration options and an interactive Mars viewer. Teachers will also find links to more extensive NASA classroom resources on Mars and plans for further explorations. NASA's web resources are huge, and finding suitable materials can sometimes require some experimenting. This site will certainly interest elementary-level explorers.
In the Classroom
You may want to introduce this site using the subject Space Place for Kids at the bottom of the page. Use your interactive whiteboard or projector and show them the All About Mars and the different Mars Rovers (robots). Bookmark the site on classroom computers (or in a lab) to allow students to explore the Adventure Game to Mars. Choose from topics and activities on this site to use in class or at computer centers. Replace paper journals and enhance classroom technology use by asking students to reflect on their learning in blog entries using Penzu, reviewed here. With Penzu you can add images or your own artwork as illustrations.
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Lost in the Grand Canyon - PBS
Grades
9 to 12
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This companion site from the PBS American Experience series offers a profile of John Wesley Powell's first exploration of the Grand Canyon. While the teacher's section is closely linked...more
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This companion site from the PBS American Experience series offers a profile of John Wesley Powell's first exploration of the Grand Canyon. While the teacher's section is closely linked to the film itself, the site offers interactive maps, biographies, and background information on the discovery of one of America's natural wonders.
In the Classroom
Try this one as a "compare and contrast" with Lewis and Clark's expedition or today's adventurers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Lewis and Clark - In Their Footsteps - Sierra Club
Grades
4 to 12
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The Sierra Club's treatment of the Lewis and Clark expedition concentrates on the wilderness areas the explorers found, what they thought of them, and what those same areas are like...more
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The Sierra Club's treatment of the Lewis and Clark expedition concentrates on the wilderness areas the explorers found, what they thought of them, and what those same areas are like today. You can read from the explorer journals, visit a selection of sites, and learn how to protect the wilderness areas that still exist. The site does a good job with both the historical content and the naturalist's perspective.
tag(s): jefferson (21), lewis and clark (18), louisiana (11), louisiana purchase (7)
In the Classroom
Use this site as a learning center during a unit on Lewis and Clark and their exploration of the West. Because there is a lot of information on this site, we recommend providing students with a graphic organizer to guide them through and highlight what is most important. For help creating graphic organizers, try - Mindomo, (reviewed here).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Lewis & Clark Bicentennial - Time Magazine
Grades
4 to 12
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By far the richest resource we've found on the topic, Time's treatment includes an interactive map, essays, journal excerpts, and photoessays. There are also maps showing the distribution...more
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By far the richest resource we've found on the topic, Time's treatment includes an interactive map, essays, journal excerpts, and photoessays. There are also maps showing the distribution of Native American tribes, then and now, and a list of recommended reading and web resources.
tag(s): jefferson (21), lewis and clark (18), louisiana (11), louisiana purchase (7)
In the Classroom
Use the interactive map as a supplemental resource during a lesson on the two explorers. Share the map on the interactive whiteboard or projector to show students the route the explorers took, as well as some of the terrain that hindered their travels. Great for a US history class!
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