Process:
Step 1:
Two members of the group need to pick four explorers from the list below to research for the prestigious explorer to be honored. The other two members of the group will research the other four explorers. Each group of the team must select four different explorers to research so that each group does not have the same explorers. The team will have a total of eight different explorers to consider for the monument. The groups will use the research outline sheet to record their findings about their explorer. Click here for the outline sheet. Make sure to research how far the explorer has traveled in his journey. Look at maps to see how far the explorer's route entailed, and research why the explorer is so important.You will need to take turns being the searcher and the recorder. Remember to keep a list of the websites you use. You will need them later. The team will come back together and analyze their findings and vote on the most prestigious explorer to be honored for the monument at the American History Museum.
Juan Ponce de Leon
Christopher Columbus
Hernando De Soto
Ferdinand Magellan
Hernando Cortes
Vasco Nunez de Balboa
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
Henry Hudson
Robert LaSalle
Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
Amerigo Vespucci
John Cabot
Links:
Hall of Explorers
Step 2:
Now that you are an expert about famous explorers the team will come back together, and analyze their findings. The team members will need to vote on the most prestigious explorer to be honored for the monument at the American History Museum.
Step 3:
You will now get into your expert groups.
Graphic Designer:
Create a power point presentation on your explorer.
Type the answers on the Outline form about your explorer. Click here for the outline form.
Compose a paragraph describing your explorer's role in exploration.
Follow the chart for writing your paragraph. Click here for the chart.
Follow the power point guide if you choose to do a power point. Click here for the guide
Cartographer:
Research previous routes that explorers used for their expeditions.
Create a map on a new route that the explorer should have used and explain why your map is a better route.
Maps of early explorers of America
Explorers of North America: Enchanted Learning
Explorers and their maps
How to create an old map
Map of Routes
More Maps!
Blank Map
Architect / Contractor:
Research current monuments that already exist in Washington D.C. looking at design and size.
Design your monument with scale measurements.
The architect is to help the contractor build the model size monument.
Monuments and Memorials - A Photo Tour of Washington, DC
Monuments of Washington, D.C.
Washington Monument
The Monuments of Washington, D.C. A Virtual Field Trip
Discoveries Monument
Explorers' Monument
United States Monuments
Step 4:
Once you do your part, you will then get into four groups, one for the Graphic Designer, one for the Cartographer, one for the Architect, and the last for the Contractor and share what you found. You will then go back to your original group and share what you learned from your expert group.
Step 5:
Now that you know the basics and have shared all of your information it is time to begin designing your monument.
Keep in mind the information you received from the sites you researched, and ideas from existing monuments. The Graphic Designer will need to be in control of the mouse or paper to create the power point or iMovie. As a team discuss what you want the monument to look like and the Architect will begin drawing it. Once you have finished your monument you will need to turn it in for your presentation.
Step 6:
Begin working on your presentations.
You will need to persuade the Smithsonian American History Museum board on why your monument should be the one they pick for the exhibition called On the Water: Stories from Maritime America. For help on writing a persuasive paper look at the two links below.
Persuasive Writing Websites:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/writing/index.asp?topic=Persuasive
http://www.abcteach.com/Writing/persuasive.htm
Now that you have learned how to persuade someone you can begin your presentation persuading the Smithsonian American History Museum Board to choose your monument!
Step 7:
Make your presentation. You may use Power Point, iMovie, or PodCast. Use Microsoft Power Point that is loaded on your computer.
Be sure to include:
* Why the board should choose your monument?
* Include a photo of your finished monument model.
* Anything else you think will persuade the board to choose your monument.
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