The First Explorers

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Follow the explorers from Europe to the "Americas." The early European explorers sailed from many countires from many reasons. This program connects the great explorers to the Ohio Valley. We will follow the early French explorers as they searched for the fabled Northwest Passage and instead discovered the Great Lakes and the Ohio River. Students map the routes as they navigate their way to the New World. Want-to-be sailors can sign-up for the trip as they learn about the men and the voyages that changed world history. At the end of the program, we will follow the growth of the English colonies and how the overlapping claims of the early French and English explorers led to the French and Indian War. The journey to the Ohio River begins here.

Target Grade Level

3 - 6

Length of program

One hour

Program Objectives

1. Hear the stories of famous explorers.
   
2. Compare and contrast cultural differences over land claims and ownership.
3. Discover the lifestyle of the average sailor.
   
4. Sing along with the sailors. Students will hear guitar, vocal, and tin whistle.
   
5. Compare the importance and accuracy of oral versus written history. Students are encouraged to collect family stories.
6. Encourage more research.