We have begun studying Christopher Columbus at 373R. Several of our classes are involved. We will of course make a movie about what we learn. This is an ongoing project so stay tuned and watch it grow.

Download a Journal Template

ship journal.pdf

 Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. His career in exploration started when he was very young. As a teenager he traveled the seas and eventually made Portugal his base. Columbus came to believe that the East Indies (present day Indonesia and surrounding islands) could be reached by sailing west through the Atlantic Ocean. He appealed to the kings of Portugal, France and England to finance a westward trip to the Indies, but all denied his request. After ten years of monumental efforts but fruitless results, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to finance Columbus in the hopes of acquiring great wealth. On August 3, 1492, Columbus, crew, and three ships, the Nina, Pinta, and The Santa Maria.

Map Skills Lesson on Directions The Compass Rose

 

In studying Columbus and his voyage of 1492 we know he sailed west to go east. While everyone else was sailing east,going around Africa to get to China and the Indes, Columbus sailed west, which would have worked if he did not bump into North and South America.

Click here on the Compass Rose to watch a short movie about Direction.

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