There is so much to teach about European Exploration! How do you make it fun and engaging for you and your students? But I’m here to help give you ideas on hands-on activities. These activities are meaningful and will help your students learn about the motivations behind exploration, the navigational tools that were used, and what life was like sailing on a ship.
#1 Exploration Motivations: God, Gold, and Glory Art
The first thing that you want to teach students is why European Explorers were traveling into unknown waters in the first place. Students need to know that the motives were God, Gold, and Glory.
- God- Leaders of powerful European countries like Portugal and Spain believed it was their duty to convert the indigenous to Christianity.
- Gold- European countries wanted to find gold and exploit other natural resources.
- Glory- The more land a country had control over, the more powerful they were.
Students can color the words God, Gold, and Glory on a large piece of paper and draw symbols or icons inside the letters to represent what they learned. I also have a FREE template to make the assignment quicker to do.
#2 Create a Real Compass
The compass was a technological invention that fostered exploration and gave explorers the confidence to sail in unexplored waters. Creating a real compass is a lot easier than you think. Show your students what a real compass looks like (your cell phone will have one) and have them make one using a magnet, sewing needle or pin, and a cup of water.
#3 Draw and Color a Compass Rose
Explorers often drew beautifully intricate compass roses on their maps. It’s important that your 5th graders know about cardinal directions and drawing a compass rose is a quick, but fun activity. You want to teach this drawing lesson step-by-step so students can get their drawings just right.
#4 Construct a Tall Ship or Caravel Project
The caravel was a highly maneuverable, and fast ship that allowed for European Exploration. Your students will enjoy doing something different by creating one out of paper and straws. This activity requires minimal prep and materials.
My students are doing this because they get to show off their origami skills. They will need to watch this YouTube video that will teach them how to fold the paper into a ship.
#5 Create an Astrolabe Activity
The astrolabe was a handheld astronomical tool used in navigation. Your students can learn about this indispensable tool by creating a simple model of one. You can create one on your own or check out my template HERE with step-by-step directions and a record sheet. I also wrote a blog post with more details.
Materials you will need:
- Protractor
- Paper
- String
- Paper Clip
Steps to Create an Astrolabe
Step 1: Color your astrolabe. Cut it and glue it onto sturdy paper.
Step 2: Cut out your astrolabe and poke a tiny hole in it with a hole puncher or a sharp pencil.
Step 3: Cut out a 10-inch string or yarn
Step 4: Attach string to it by creating a knot and attach a paper clip to the end.
Step 5: Tape a straw on the 90-degree edge and cut it.
Step 6: Gaze at bright star. Record the angle of the star. Go back outside an hour later and stand in the same spot. Record the angle of the star. Is the star in the same place?
#6 Play a European Explorer Themed Board Game
Kids love board games! So why not incorporate a board game into your European Exploration Unit?
All you need is:
- a blank board game template
- cards with obstacles: Rats have eaten up some of your food. Move back 2 spaces
- Cards with rewards: You reach India and return with jewels and spices. Move forward 3 spaces.
A board game is a great way for students to learn about life as sailors and explorers. You can create your own or make your life easy and get one already created. You can get it HERE.
#7 Taste History: “Eat Like an Explorer” Activity
Ship captains faced the challenge of feeding their large crew on board for long journeys. Fresh bread would mold and even stored flour would become infested with bugs or spoil. So what was the solution? Sea biscuits!
They are easy to make and are a lot of fun for your students to try. Grab the recipe HERE in my lesson pack.
#8 Tall Ship Art Project
Incorporate some art into your European Exploration Unit. This project looks beautiful on walls and allows your students to let their artistic juices flow. Read more about how to complete this project with step-by-step directions HERE.
If you don’t want the hassle of creating these activities yourself, I have all of them bundled up in one print-and-go resource that you can find HERE. They are minimal- prep and maximum engagement. I guarantee that you will be using some of these activities year after year. They are a hit with my students. I promise these activities will inspire learning and creativity in your classroom. You got this! Giselle
