The document provides an exploration pre-quiz asking students to identify (1) the first European to land in the Americas in modern times, (2) the year this occurred, and (3) what explorers were looking for in the 1400s. It then instructs students on an activity analyzing the historical perception of Christopher Columbus, asking them to identify how he was portrayed positively before the 1960s and reasons his heroic status was reconsidered after the 1960s. The document concludes by offering an extra credit opportunity for students to write a paragraph letter to the superintendent addressing whether school should be held on Columbus Day.

1. Bellringer
Exploration pre-quiz
On the ½ sheet:
1. Who was the first European to land in the
Americas in modern times?
2. What year did that happen?
3. What were explorers looking for in the 1400’s?
4. Which European country conquered the most
territory in the Americas in 1600?
5. Why were African slaves imported to the
Americas?

2. Columbus landing

3. Columbus cartoon
• HISTORY CHANGES
• Before 1960’s – Columbus was a hero
• Write 4 ways he’s positively shown
• After 1960’s – Columbus not heroic
• Think, pair share: 2 reasons he’s not

4. Columbus Day!

5. Columbus

6. 5 points extra credit
• 1 paragraph letter to the superintendent Dr.
Baker addressing: “should we have school on
October 13 – Columbus Day”
• Deadline November 12