Many European explorers came to North America for a variety of reasons starting in the 15th century. They came from countries like Spain, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Portugal to explore the land and its native people. The explorers' arrival changed North America forever and had a large impact on the native populations. Students can learn more about these explorers by choosing one to research and present on or by creating maps and timelines of their expeditions.

1. American ExplorationMany of thousands of years after the Native Americans settled North America, explorers came to America from SPAIN, FRANCE, GREAT BRITIAN, the NETHERLANDS, and PORTUGAL. They came for a variety of reasons and changed America forever. *Who Where They?*Why Did They Explore?*What Did They Find?*What impact did exploration have on North America and its native people?Fun Activities To Help You Learn About the Explorers*Choose an explorer and make a power point about them OR make a Glogster.*Create maps of explorers’ routes using Google Maps.*Write a skit or Reader’s Theater about an explorer’s life, journey, events, etc. and present to the class.*Make a timeline for all the explorers beginning with the Vikings in 1000AD.*Can you think of anything else?