Web Instructional Strategy

Edmt 380-001
Universal Assignment
Spring 2006

Explorers

A Topic Hotlist for Fifth Grade Historians

Introduction

This research project is based on acquiring knowledge about a specific early explorer. Designed for the fifth grade social studies curriculum, this project seeks to develop students' research, technology, and writing skills through the use of the internet and word processing programs. For this project students will:

Choose and research a famous early explorer.
Complete a Core Value Sheet for their assigned explorer.
Design a "trading card" visual representation for their assigned explorer.

The trading card must include:

Picture of explorer
Explorer’s Name
Country sailed for
Birth/Death Dates
Major Accomplishments
Other interesting facts

The topic hotlist below will serve as a research tool to assist students in acquiring the information needed for their Core Value Sheet and trading card. The sites that were selected are appropriate for both the reading level and the research needs of these fifth grade historians, and should, consequently, be very helpful as they research their explorer and create their trading cards.

Applicable Wisconsin Model Academic Standards

Social Studies B.8.1 - Interpret the past using a variety of sources, such as biographies, diaries, journals, artifacts, eyewitness interviews, and other primary source materials, and evaluate the credibility of sources used
Social Studies B.8.4 - Explain how and why events may be interpreted differently depending upon the perspectives of participants, witnesses, reporters, and historians
Information and Technology Literacy A.8.4 - Use a computer and communications software to access and transmit information.
Information and Technology Literacy B.8.4 - Evaluate and select information from a variety of print, nonprint, and electronic
formats

Christopher Columbus

A Christopher Columbus Timeline - A comprehensive timeline of Columbus's life between the years 1451-1506
Christopher Columbus - Passages from the journals of Christopher Columbus, as well as a map and photo.
Famous People: Christopher Columbus - An interactive story site that teaches you all about Christopher Columbus and his life. Check out the quiz that follows!

Marco Polo

Marco Polo and his Travels - An in-depth report of Marco Polo's life as an explorer.
Marco Polo: Explorer - A brief explanation of Marco Polo's life and accomplishments, including a map of his travels.
Marco Polo: Part I - Portions of a National Geographic article featuring Marco Polo and his journeys to China.

Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro - A descriptive piece, including pictures, about Francisco Pizarro, his life, and his accomplishments.
The Conquest of the Incas - An interactive site sponsored by PBS featuring the conquistadors.

Leif Erikson

Leif Eriksson: Leif the Lucky - An overview of the lives of many important Vikings, including Leif Erikson.
Leif Erikson - A description of Leif Erikson's voyages and discoveries.
The Viking Age - A concise look at the life of Leif Erikson .

Eric the Red

Eric the Red: Explorer - A summary of Eric the Red's life and accomplishments, including a map of his travels.
Erik banished from Iceland - An explanation of the lives of many significant Vikings, including Eric the Red.
Eric the Red - A brief overview of the journeys of Eric the Red and his son, Leif.

Hernan Cortez

The Fall of the Aztecs - An interactive site sponsored by PBS featuring the conquistadors.
Hernan Cortez, Explorer and Conqueror of Mexico - An in-depth look at the life and accomplishments of Hernan Cortez.

Ferdinand Magellan

Magellan 1480-1521 - An overview of Magellan's background, accomplishments, impact on the world. Includes a map and a picture.
Ferdinand Magellan: Explorer - A brief explanation of Ferdinand Magellan's life and accomplishments, including a map of his travels.

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Last Updated March 30, 2006
Any Questions? Email Erin Roberson at robersea@uwec.edu