Social Studies Lesson Plan
History
I.
Purpose:
The purpose of this lesson is to initiate students’ prior knowledge while building knew
knowledge about explorers and the Americas through listening to and analyzing a song about
explorers Christopher Columbus, Christopher Newport, Juan Ponce de Leon, and Jacques
Cartier.
SOL: History
3.3 The student will study the exploration of the Americas by
a) describing the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce de León, Jacques
Cartier, and Christopher Newport;
b) identifying the reasons for exploring, the information gained, the results of the travels, and
the impact of the travels on American Indians.
II.
Objectives:

The student will be able to list the sponsoring country for at least 3 out of 4 (75%) of the
explorers (Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce de Leon, Jacques Cartier, and Christopher
Newport) when given the comparison graphic organizer.

The student will be able complete the comparison graphic organizer with at least 80%
accuracy by naming at least one similarity between the four explorers as well as the
correct reason for exploration for each explorer when given the comparison graphic
organizer.
III.
Procedure:
a) Introduction:
The teacher will begin the lesson by drawing on students’ prior knowledge through
completing a KWL (Know, Want to know, Learned) chart (*reading strategy). The
teacher will outline a KWL chart using chart paper on the board and will list the names of
the four explorers on the top (Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce de Leon, Jacques
Cartier, and Christopher Newport). The teacher will then ask students what they already
know about these explorers and s/he will write their responses on the chart.
“Today we are going to be talking about four major explorers: Christopher Columbus,
Juan Ponce de Leon, Jacques Cartier, and Christopher Newport. Can anybody tell me
what an explorer is? [Provide wait time and call on students for responses-write answers
in the K section of the chart]. What else can you tell me about any of these explorers?
[give wait time and call on students for responses-write responses in K section of the
chart].”
The teacher will then ask students what they want to know (“W”) and s/he will record the
students’ responses on the chart under the “W.” (auditory/visual)
b) Development:
Introduce the music video, “Discoverin’ America” to the students
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWY50mH5awQ). Pass out the lyrics sheets for the
students to follow along with during the song and tell the students to pay attention to the
explorers’ names, where they came from, what they were searching for, and the effects of
their travels on the Americas as they watch the video.
Play the video for the class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWY50mH5awQ
(auditory/visual)
After watching the video, work together as a class to finish filling out the KWL chart,
focusing on the “L,” or what the students learned, and write their responses on the chart.
Refer back to the lyrics sheets to help students see where to gather their information
from. Show students that each verse in the song is about a different explorer (*reading
strategy). Talk about each one of the explorers and ask the students:
“Where was (explorer’s name) from?”
“What was (explorer’s name) reason for exploring? What was he searching for?”
“Can you name one of the effects the explorers had on the American Indians?”
“Do you see any similarities between each of these men?”
c) Summary
End the lesson by having students complete the Comparing Explorers handout. Students
may work together in table groups, pairs, or independently to complete the handout. They
may use the song lyrics handout, prior knowledge, and the KWL chart that is still
displayed at the front of the room as additional resources. Students will use the chart to
compare and contrast the explorers and must name each explorers country, reason for
exploration, and at least one similarity between the explorers. Model the first example by
asking students to name one thing they know about any of the explorers and write their
response on your handout for the entire class to see how to fill out the handout. Then
allow the students to break into groups or partners to complete the worksheet. As students
are working, walk around the room to offer assistance, answer questions, and gauge the
students’ understanding. (kinesthetic/visual)
Differentiation:
For Strugglers: Have these students work together with more advanced students during the
comparison chart activity. Leave the KWL chart on the board, and allow the students to use their
lyrics sheets and any other available resources to help them complete the handout. The
information will be provided by means of auditory, visual, and kinesthetic instruction to help all
learners.
For Advanced: Allow these students to work independently or paired to help with a student who
is less advanced. These students will be encouraged to note multiple similarities and differences
amongst the explorers.
IV.
Materials:

Large chart paper

Colored Marker

Computer/Projector

Discoverin’ America Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWY50mH5awQ
V.

Discoverin’ America Song Lyrics Handouts

“Comparing Explorers” Handouts
Evaluation Part A:
Each student will be assessed on their participation in class as well as through the
completion of the Comparing Explorers handout.

I will know that the student has met the objective if s/he is able to identify the
four explorers and name their country (sponsor) with at least 80% accuracy:
Christopher Columbus (Spain), Juan Ponce de Leon (Spain), Jacques Cartier
(France), and Christopher Newport (England).

I will know that the student has met the objective if s/he is able to list at least one
accurate similarity and the correct reason for exploration for all four explorers
when given the Comparing Explorers graphic organizer.
Name ______________________________________ Date_____________________________
Comparing Explorers
Directions: Compare and contrast each of the explorers by listing their country (sponsor), reason
for exploration, and at least one other fact about each explorer.
Christopher Columbus
Country:
Juan Ponce de Leon
Country:
Reason for Exploration:
Reason for Exploration:
Other Facts:
Other Facts:
Similarities
Christopher Newport
Jacques Cartier
Country:
Country:
Reason for Exploration:
Reason for Exploration:
Other Facts:
Other Facts:
Comparing Explorers Grading Rubric
0
1
2
3
Lists no country for
any of the explorers.
Lists a country for 1 or
2 of the explorers but
it may or may not be
the correct country for
those explorers.
Lists a country for all
four explorers but it
may or may not be the
correct country for
each explorer.
Lists the correct
country for all 4
explorers.
Does not name a
similarity.
Names a similarity but
it may not be accurate.
Names a similarity
between 2 or more of
the explorers.
Names at least one
accurate similarity
between all four
explorers.
Does not list a reason
for exploration.
Names a reason for
exploration but it is
not accurate.
Names an accurate
reason for exploration
for 2 or more of the
explorers.
Names the accurate
reason for exploration
for all 4 explorers.