The Voyages
of Columbus - Grades 5-8
$40.00
How's this
for an idea? We'll board a rocket and travel to the outer limits
of our galaxy. How long will it take? What will we find there?
Whom will we meet? What kind of rocket will we need for the
journey? OK, we'll have to work out some details. But just
think of the money we could make bringing back new and exotic
goods from another world!
This may sound like a crazy idea, but that's what people thought 500 years ago when they heard about Columbus' plan. However, Columbus paid no attention to the critics. He was willing to risk sailing into the unknown to acquire the goods that would make him rich. Students can experience this entrepreneurial adventure through The Voyages of Columbus: An Economic Enterprise. This curriculum unit contains three lessons that integrate economics, geography, math, and history.
Students
participate in activities through which they examine early
trade barriers; identify the incentives to which entrepreneurs
respond; analyze the resources, human capital, and technology
required for the voyage; and recognize the importance of information
in decision making. These activities, combined with a mapping
activity and supplemental lessons found in the appendix, enable
teachers to use a variety of assessment strategies.
The unit includes a reusable map and ship poster.