Explorers' Guild

Developed by: Darsaye… (with assistance from Profy technology)

Knowledge Area/Subjects: History, Geography, Arts

Theme: Age of Discovery

The 'Explorers' Guild' activity is designed to immerse 7th-grade students in the thrilling Age of Discovery, encouraging them to step into the shoes of the era's greatest explorers. Participants will embark on a journey through history, art, and geography as they research and represent an explorer, such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, or Ferdinand Magellan. This endeavor challenges students to create a guild for their chosen explorer, which will involve designing a unique flag, drafting a code of conduct reflective of the values and ethics apparent in their research, and accurately mapping the routes taken by their explorer during their voyages. The culmination of this activity is a detailed presentation, where students will showcase their explorer's achievements and the challenges they faced, supported by visual aids such as the crafted maps and flags. This hands-on project not only educates students about key historical figures and events but also encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Learning Objectives

This activity aims to deepen students' understanding of the Age of Discovery, enhancing their knowledge of historical figures, geographical exploration, and the cultural impact of these explorations. Through research, collaboration, and creative expression, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and achievements of historical explorers. Additionally, this project fosters critical thinking as students analyze the ethics and conduct of these figures, comparing past and present-day exploration values. By engaging in map-making, students will enhance their geographical skills, learning to identify and contextualize significant routes of exploration. Finally, the presentation aspect of the project will improve their communication skills and confidence in public speaking.

Understand the historical context and significance of the Age of Discovery.
Research and analyze the lives, routes, and impact of specific explorers.
Develop geographical skills through map-making.
Create artistic representations reflective of the era's exploratory spirit.
Enhance teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.

Lesson Content

The content of this activity spans several interconnected areas of learning. Starting with the historical significance of the Age of Discovery, the program introduces students to major explorers and their contributions to world geography and culture. It covers the development of navigation techniques and the motivations behind the epic voyages of this era. Students will also delve into the ethical considerations of exploration, reflecting on the impacts on indigenous populations. The artistic element involves designing symbols representing the explorers' journeys, while the geography component requires accurate map-making skills.

Overview of the Age of Discovery
Key figures and explorers of the period
Historical map-making techniques and route tracing
Ethical considerations and impacts of exploration
Symbolism in flags and emblems

Methodology

This project utilizes a hands-on, active learning approach, encouraging students to engage directly with the material. Students will work individually or in small groups to research their chosen explorer, fostering collaboration and the sharing of ideas. The project is divided into distinct yet interconnected tasks—research, design, and presentation, ensuring a diverse learning experience that caters to different interests and skills. The use of various resources, including library books, online databases, and artistic materials, supports a multidimensional approach to learning.

Group formation and explorer selection
Research phase using mixed media sources
Design and creation of flags, codes of conduct, and maps
Preparation and execution of presentations
Peer feedback and discussion

Schedule

The activity is structured over two sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. The first session focuses on research and design, with students diving into the history of their chosen explorer and starting on their creative representations. The second session is dedicated to finalizing these projects and preparing for the presentations, followed by the presentation itself, allowing students to share and reflect on their work.

Session 1: Research and design phase (60 minutes)
Session 2: Finalization and presentation (60 minutes)

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their ability to conduct thorough research, the creativity and accuracy of their design elements, and the effectiveness of their presentation. A rubric will score elements such as historical accuracy, geographical relevance, artistic creativity, clarity of presentation, and collaboration within groups. Feedback will focus on the depth of research, understanding of the explorer's impact, and ability to engage the audience. Examples of assessment criteria include the intricacy and historical accuracy of the maps, the symbolism within the flag design, and the persuasiveness and clarity of the presentations.

Materials and tools:

The project requires access to a variety of resources to support the students' research, design, and presentation phases. These include historical texts and online databases for research, art supplies for flag creation, software for map-making, and presentation tools. Facilitating access to these resources ensures students can fully engage with each aspect of the project, fostering a richer learning experience.

Library books and online academic databases
Art supplies (paper, paints, markers, etc.) for flag creation
Map-making software or atlases
Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi)
Public speaking tips and guidelines

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