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Reading a Map
Common Core RI.5.7
Name: ______________________________________
An Explorer’s Journey
Read about Juan Ponce de León’s journey to Florida in 1513 on page 6 of this week’s Scholastic News.
Then study the map below that shows his expedition. Use it to answer the questions.
UNITED STATES
2
St. Augustine
4
He explores the Gulf Coast of
Florida. His crew clashes with
Native Americans in the area.
NORTH
AMERICA ATLANTIC
OCEAN
FLORIDA
Area of detail
In mid-June 1513, Ponce de
León stops at a chain of islands
now called Dry Tortugas.
While there, his crew captures
hundreds of turtles to restock
their food supply. Tortugas is
the Spanish word for “turtles.”
PACIFIC
OCEAN
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
5
MEXICO
The ships stop in Cuba
before sailing back to
Puerto Rico. They arrive
in the fall of 1513.
100 MI
In early March 1513, Ponce
de León leads three ships
from Puerto Rico, where he
had served as governor.
JAMAICA
KEY
0
1
BAHAMAS
CUBA
Gulf of Mexico
SOUTH
AMERICA
Ponce de León’s
suspected route
Present-day
borders
HAITI
Caribbean Sea
DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
Puerto Rico
(U.S.)
1. In which direction did Ponce de León sail to travel from Puerto Rico to Florida? ___________________
2. About how many months after leaving Puerto Rico did he arrive at Dry Tortugas? _________________
3. Explain how Dry Tortugas likely got its name. _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Describe Ponce de León’s journey from Cuba back to Puerto Rico. _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Examine the key. Why is it necessary to label Ponce de León’s route as “suspected”? ______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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RESET QUIZ ANSWERS
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3
In April 1513, Ponce de León
makes landfall near present-day
St. Augustine, Florida.