Teacher Process
Teachers should begin by reading the assigned textbook chapter on the "Age of Exploration". Key terms and explorers should be discussed and defined. Mapping out important voyages as a class activity is highly recommended. Teachers should also define the "Columbian Exchange" and provide examples of products, ideas, and cultures that were exchanged between the Old World and New World.
Students should complete a comprehension-check assignment before beginning the WebQuest activity.
Next, teachers must expect to spend two to three days in your school's computer lab to complete this research project. Students should be assigned into groups of three before visiting the computer lab. You may either have students choose which explorer they would like to research, or you may assign each group a specific explorer.
The next one to days should be spent conducting online research of the provided websites. Be sure students take comprehensive notes and write down any questions or terms they are unfamiliar with.
One day should be devoted to students writing the journal entries for both their explorer and native community.
Approximately one more day should be set aside for students to work in groups and share their ideas, research, and journals.
Lastly, students should return to the computer lab for two more days to create and conduct their Power Point Presentations to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, and acheivements.