Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING:

• Identify key events, figures (Columbus, Magellan), and motivations of the Age of Discovery.
• Understand the significance of maps and trade routes from that era.
• Use diverse AI tools to create historical examples.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Conduct basic research using safe, age-appropriate sources.
• Write and present stories (diaries/letters) to improve communication skills.
• Use AI to generate visuals and refine creative content.

ATTITUDES & VALUES:

• Develop curiosity about history and diverse cultures.
• Show respect for diversity and different historical perspectives.
• Collaborate effectively in teams to achieve a common goal.

European Dimension / Erasmus+ Connection

• Cultural Heritage: Exploring how European explorers shaped global identity.
• Social Integration: Fostering empathy by examining diverse perspectives of history.
• Global Awareness: Understanding early global trade and its link to modern sustainability.
• Digital Transformation: Using AI and interactive maps to promote technological creativity.

1. Resources and Tools

Research & AI Assistance:

• KidsChatGPT / Kiddle.co: For safe, guided research.
• Google My Maps: For plotting explorers' routes.

Creativity & Storytelling:

• Canva / Padlet: For infographics and organizing content.
• My Diary App / Book Creator: For writing journal entries.
• Craiyon (AI Images) / AutoDraw: For creating visuals.

2. Working Methods

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Investigating historical events using digital evidence.
• Project-Based Learning: Creating explorer profiles and fictional diaries.
• Storytelling: Connecting emotionally with history through narrative.
• Cooperative Learning: Working in pairs/groups for all activities.

Activity Overview

3. Introduction and Motivation

Setting the Stage

Goal: Engage students with the era of discovery.

• Watch: "The Age of Exploration" (YouTube).
• Discuss: "If you had the chance to go on an adventure in the 15th century, what new land would you want to discover, and why?"

4. Research and Learning

Activity 2.1: Explorer Profiles

In groups of 3-4, students create profiles for Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, or Vespucci using AI tools. They look for:

• Background (3 important facts).
• Major voyages and discoveries.

Method: Fishbowl Discussion to share findings.

Activity 2: Creating Routes

Students mark the route of their assigned explorer on an A3 map or use Google My Maps to create a collaborative interactive map.

Activity 3: Why is Cinnamon in my Roll?

The Hook: "If you lived in the Middle Ages, you would never have tasted chocolate. Do you know why?"

Task: Research foods brought to Europe from other continents using ChatGPT/Gemini. Organize findings on a world map Padlet to see how European cuisine changed.

5. Creative Application

Activity 1: The Diary of an Explorer

Students write diary entries or letters as if they were explorers embarking on a journey. They describe their emotions, fears, and hopes.

AI Integration: After writing, students use AI image generators (like Craiyon) to create illustrations that match their diary descriptions.

Activity 2: Interactive Visual Storytelling

The Hook: "Have you ever sailed on a Carrack?"

Students prepare an interactive presentation of their diary entries. They use the visuals they generated to engage the audience.

6. Reflection and Evaluation

Group Reflection (25 min)

Discussion questions:

• What went well and why?
• What challenges did we face?
• What can we improve for future projects?

Students individually fill out the Self-Reflection Chart (Att 3.1).

Online Resources

1. Core Knowledge - Age of Exploration: View Resource
2. Video: The Age of Exploration: Watch on YouTube
3. Kiddle (Safe Search): www.kiddle.co