Oh, Exploring They Did Go!

Introduction

Your class has begun a study of famous explorers.  The class study usually consists of reading the exploration chapter in our social studies textbook, but this time we are going to do it differently!

We're going to use student-created trading cards to help us learn about these famous explorers.  

You will work with a partner to design a new trading card about an explorer.  The card you create will be similar to baseball cards.  Your card will show your explorer’s major discoveries; what made your explorer want to explore; and explain why others need to learn about your explorer.

At the end of this project, we will have a class trading session so that others can have a chance to trade for your card. 

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Task

Just like baseball cards, the card you create with your partner will show important information about your explorer.  You will be using a template to create your card.  Then you will draw a picture of your explorer using MS Paint and import that into your template. You and your partner will print out the completed card and prepare it for the trading session.  You will also create a one minute commercial to advertise your card for the trading session.

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Process

• You and your partner need to choose an explorer from the list provided.
• Use any of the resources to find information about your explorer to be included on your trading card.
• Add the information you gather into the trading card template provided.
• Using MS Paint, draw a picture that shows your explorer and import that into your template.
• Print out a final copy of your explorer's trading card and glue it onto a blank flashcard to create a two-sided card.
• Place your completed card in the laminating folder so that the office staff can laminate your card.  This will help to protect the card during the trading session.
• With your partner, plan a one minute commercial to advertise your explorer card.  
• Use a video camera to record your commercial--be sure that you and your partner appear in the commercial!

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Resources

Sites on the Web about Explorers:

Leif Erickson

Columbus

Vespucci 

Magellan

Coronado

Desoto

Drake 

De Leon

Other Resources:

Books

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Evaluation

Your card and video will be graded on the rubric below.  Your teacher and all other students in the class will give you a score based on the rubric.  Just like we have done in math; you and your partner will add up all scores you receive and then find the average.  This average score will determine the grade you get for this project.

Click here to see the grading rubric

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Conclusion

Just like baseball cards show information about important people, you have now created cards about some famous explorers.  After viewing the video commercials, these cards will be traded in class so that other students can learn about your explorer.  Who knows, someday you may be a famous person that appears on your own trading card!

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion