Waves of Exploration

Introduction

The once blue sky has turned a dirty shade of gray. The wind begins to howl. The expansive ocean all around you heaves and boils. Your small wooden ship groans as large waves break over its bow. Storms at sea were just one of many risks early explorers faced as they set out against the breaking waves of their own shore, and sailed toward distant and unknown lands.

The Task

These early explorers plotted their courses carefully on navigational charts. Captains and others on board also kept logs or diaries during their journeys. Your task is to investigate three early expeditions to the New World. You will prepare a log or diary detailing the experiences these early explorers had.

• Each day you will explore one of three web sites containing information and graphics about the life of an early explorer.
• You will be asked to find specific information dealing with the expeditions of these three explorers.
• This information will help you put yourself in the shoes of an explorer. You will be asked to write a diary of daily entries through the eyes of your chosen explorer.

Resources

You will utilize the internet, classroom text, A More Perfect Union, and a blank diary or notebook. You may choose to be creative with you diary with different types of appropriate decorations.