Process
Simulation
Before you can begin writing a presentation about explorers, you must discover what you already know about explorers and what you want to find out. First you must fill out a KWL chart on your own, then you will get into a group to discuss the groups KWL chart. (Find the KWL Chart on Miss Giles's Website in the Explorers Tab.)Explorer's KWL
You will also choose a role to play in the Explorer Simulation. (You will participate in the Explorer Simulation as you research your explorer.) You will need to decide as a group who each of the individuals are for your simulation. Choose from the list below. (Use dictionary.com to help you define each of the roles and then choose which role each member will play.)
Navigator
Helmsman
Ship's Surgeon
Boatswain
Steward
Interpreter
Fill in a Personal Log for your role in the simulation. You will be responsible to keeping a personal log for the 5 days of simuation. Your log must be long enough to address the events of your crew and ship and give a personal reaction to what your group is encountering.
Research
Now you are ready to begin researching your explorer. Your group will be assigned one of the following groups: Christopher Columbus, the Vikings, or the Chinese. Using the following websites, research your explorer(s). Be sure to take detailed notes such as listing strong points that should be covered in your documentary about your explorer, condeming points that prove the other explorers did not reach the Americas first, and remember your goal is to prove that your explorer discovered the Americas first, regardless of how you personally feel. Think about how you can convince your audience that your explorer was first. You will need to have two researchers, 2 graphics specialists, and 2 timeline specialists. One of your graphic specialists must act as director of the documentary.
The Mariner's Museum: Age of Exploration
News Article on Chinese Explorers
More Evidence on Chinese Discovering America
How Stuff Works: Did the Chinese Beat Columbus?
Create Your Documentary
It is now time to put everything that you have learned together. You will need to create a Powerpoint to assist you in presenting your ideas of who discovered
the Americas. Remember, you must present this information to persuade the CEO to select your documentary as accurate history. Also remember, to persuade someone you must present your opinion, give a reason for your opinion, then examples to prove your opinion, and conclude with a restatement of your opinion (O.R.E.O). Your presentation must include transitions, audio, animations, and a biography slide. Your director will need to make final decisions on the project, however everyone should work on the project together.