"Why Did Explorers Risk Everything to Come to the New World?" by Bella Laramie

Learning Objective

bellalaramie — 2025-07-27 12:24:37 UTC

Students will be able to explain at least two reasons why European explorers traveled to the Americas and describe one impact colonization had on Native peoples or the environment.

Gold, Glory, and God

bellalaramie — 2025-07-27 12:27:06 UTC

Watch the video and explain: Which of the “Three G’s” (Gold, Glory, or God) do you think was the biggest reason for exploration? Why?

Meet the Explorers

bellalaramie — 2025-07-27 12:29:52 UTC

Choose one explorer. Where did they go, and what did they hope to find? Would you have gone on that journey?

Map it Out!

bellalaramie — 2025-07-27 12:30:43 UTC

Look at the map. What patterns do you notice about where explorers went? Why do you think they chose those places?

First Contact

bellalaramie — 2025-07-27 12:31:37 UTC

How do you think Native people felt when explorers arrived? What are two possible effects of that first contact?

If You Were There...

bellalaramie — 2025-07-27 12:32:26 UTC

Imagine YOU were setting sail for the New World. What would be the most exciting and the most scary part of the journey?