UNIT II: Contact: Europe and America Meet (1492-1673)

1. The word "explorer" has many meanings for children.

2. Explorers, such as Columbus demonstrated particular characteristics.

3. The contact between Columbus, his men, and the Indians had positive and negative impacts for all involved.

4. There were other explorers besides Columbus, and exploration continues to happen today.

Teacher's Rationale:

At the primary level, when students are most impressionable, it is important when teaching about Columbus to give accurate details about him. This should include his real intentions, his success or lack of it, his encounter with the Indians and the subsequent results of this encounter--both positive and negative. The land that Columbus encountered was not a new world. Rather, it was a world of peoples rich with complex histories dating back thousands of years.

It is important to discuss how the lives of both the Europeans and the Indians were changed forever. Diseases were spread, ownership of land was implied and imposed, and a system of trading began between both continents. Animals like horses, cows, pigs, and chicken, as well as

seeds were brought to the Americans. In

return, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts,

papers, beans, and squash were introduced to Europe.

Teachers must ask questions about the realities of this encounter of two worlds and encourage students to question the materials used. Is the material accurate and fair to both sides of the story? In addition to asking questions about Columbus and his personal qualities, questions should be raised about the Indians' struggle against the conquest of their land.

Kindergarten

First Grade

Lesson 1: Being an Explorer.
Lesson 2: Columbus Encounters America.

Second Grade

Lesson 1: Columbus Was One of Many Explorers.
Lesson 2: 500 Years of Exploration.