Columbus’ Journey to Find a Western Sea Route to Asia

Author: Kim Buehlmaier

School: Belmont Station Elementary

Grade Level: 4th

Time Estimated: 2 days

Overview

By evaluating (comparing and contrasting) the information that was available to Columbus, a world map from the 1400s, the exploration maps/routes taken by Christopher Columbus, a current world map, as well as the period of time in history during his most important journeys, students will be broken up into groups to make observations and develop questions by analyzing and then comparing the maps. Each group will present their observations and questions for group discussion. We will have a class discussion to summarize the class’ findings and come to a determination to answer the question of how Columbus could have been so wrong with where he thought he would land and where he actually landed.

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