Crossing the Atlantic

Students have been fully immersed in one of our first units of our social studies curriculum: The Age of Exploration. This unit has been filled with eager investigations, captivating stories, and students sharing their knowledge and understanding with one another about the first European explorations. 

Recently, students participated in a two-day "Crossing the Atlantic" simulation that allowed students to experience, first-hand, some of the challenges and successes experienced during these famed voyages. Understanding the impact these expeditions had, including the beginning of globalization, cultural integrations, colonization and advances in cartography and navigational instruments, were at the heart of our investigations and experiences. Upon declaring a motive for their voyage and seeking the appropriate funding, students would soon begin their "treacherous" journeys across the Atlantic in search of the "New World". Would these adventurous crews survive their journeys? Lost at sea, unpredictable weather, an inexperienced crew, illnesses and disease - would they be able to overcome these obstacles? Students quickly realized that protecting their limited supplies and the morale of the crew were their top priorities as students moved through a series of scenarios that would present both challenges and rewards. While the crew of a few ships ultimately met with unexpected supply shortages or in some cases mutiny, many of their expeditions were successful. Jubilant cries of "LAND HO!" were heard throughout the fifth grade hallways as we neared the finish line. 

As part of a reflection on our learning, students crafted journal entries about their experiences from the perspective of explorers and the crews of the ships, applying their knowledge and understanding of these important events. These reflections sparked some rather lively discussions about the ultimate impact of the explorations and at what reward or cost they came, as well as how we can use our knowledge and understanding of these events to help us make informed decisions about living our lives more effectively today.

"How can we know where we are going if we don't know where we came from." 

                                                                                - Peter Bergen

The Age of Exploration: Students participating in our "Crossing the Atlantic" simulation activities

Students "tea stain" their journal reflections to resemble the time period in which they were written