Lesson Plan: Reasons for European Exploration of the New World
Grade: 10th Grade Duration: 50 minutes
Objectives: 1. Students will understand the reasons behind European exploration of the New World. 2. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to identify the motivations of European explorers. 3. Students will evaluate the impact of European exploration on both the Old and New Worlds.
Materials: 1. PowerPoint presentation or whiteboard and markers 2. Handout with primary and secondary sources related to European exploration 3. Chart paper and markers 4. World map or globe
Procedure:
I. Introduction (5 minutes) A. Greet the students and briefly discuss the concept of exploration. B. Ask students if they know any reasons why Europeans explored the New World. C. Share the objectives of the lesson.
II. Motivations for European Exploration (15 minutes) A. Present a PowerPoint or use the whiteboard to introduce the main reasons for European exploration: 1. Economic motives (e.g., desire for wealth, trade routes to Asia) 2. Religious motives (e.g., spreading Christianity, escaping religious persecution) 3. Political motives (e.g., competition between European powers, establishing colonies) B. Engage students in a class discussion about each motivation, encouraging them to provide examples and ask questions. C. Show relevant images or maps to support the discussion.
III. Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources (15 minutes) A. Distribute the handout with primary and secondary sources related to European exploration. B. In pairs or small groups, ask students to read and analyze the sources, identifying the motivations behind European exploration. C. After analyzing the sources, facilitate a class discussion to share their findings and insights. D. Encourage students to critically evaluate the reliability and bias of the sources.
IV. Impact of European Exploration (10 minutes) A. Divide the class into two groups: Old World and New World. B. Provide each group with chart paper and markers. C. In their respective groups, ask students to brainstorm and write down the positive and negative impacts of European exploration on their assigned world. D. After a few minutes, have each group present their findings to the class. E. Facilitate a discussion on the overall impact of European exploration, emphasizing the long-term consequences.
V. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes) A. Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson. B. Ask students to reflect individually on the following question: “Why do you think European exploration of the New World is significant in shaping the modern world?” C. Allow a few students to share their reflections with the class.
VI. Homework (optional) A. Assign a short writing task where students have to explain the most significant motivation for European exploration and support their argument with evidence from the lesson.
Note: Adjust the duration of each section as needed to fit within the 50-minute time frame.