The Age of Exploration
Aligned to C3.D2.His.2 — C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.
What this lesson teaches
In the 1400s and 1500s, European nations sent ships across the ocean to find new trade routes and riches. These voyages connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas for the first time. This exchange of plants, animals, and diseases is called the Columbian Exchange.
Worked example
In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed west from Spain hoping to reach Asia and instead reached islands in the Caribbean. After his voyages, foods like corn and potatoes traveled to Europe, while horses came to the Americas.
Practice questions
- Name one reason European nations sent explorers across the ocean.
- Explain what the Columbian Exchange was.
- Analyze one way the Columbian Exchange helped some people and harmed others.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
La Era de la Exploración
En los siglos XV y XVI, las naciones europeas enviaron barcos a través del océano para buscar nuevas rutas comerciales y riquezas. Estos viajes conectaron por primera vez a Europa, África y América. Este intercambio de plantas, animales y enfermedades se llama el Intercambio Colombino.
Ejemplo: En 1492, Cristóbal Colón navegó hacia el oeste desde España con la esperanza de llegar a Asia y, en cambio, llegó a unas islas del Caribe. Después de sus viajes, alimentos como el maíz y la papa llegaron a Europa, mientras que los caballos llegaron a América.
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