Exploring Horizons: Spain and Portugal's Age of Discovery

Exploring Horizons: Spain and Portugal's Age of Discovery

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you can explain why Spain and Portugal explored, name two differences in their colonies, and identify explorers' routes on a map.

What do you already know about the Age of Discovery?

What Lies Beyond the Horizon?

Imagine being on a ship sailing into the unknown. What did explorers hope to find? What would you want to discover?

Why Did They Journey?

The reasons: Wealth for gold and spices, Religion to convert and crusade, Glory for power and fame.

Maps and Routes: Dias and Da Gama

Dias sailed around the Cape of Good Hope. Da Gama reached India. Identify routes on the map.

Spain vs. Portugal: Colonial Differences

Spain focused on the Americas, while Portugal established trade routes in Africa and Asia.

Spot the Differences

Identify two key differences between Spanish and Portuguese colonies.

Interactive Map Activity

Locate and mark the explorers' routes on a blank map.

Conclusion and Reflection

Reflect on explorers' motivations and outcomes. What was the most surprising discovery?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.