About This Lesson
Dive into this thoughtfully curated lesson bundle designed to help upper elementary students explore the legacy of Christopher Columbus and the broader Age of Exploration through a mix of hands-on, literacy, and visual learning experiences.
🎨 Sensory Spice Painting Activity
Add excitement to your social studies or art block with this unique Sensory Spice Painting Activity. A perfect entry point to discussing the spice trade and exploration routes, this activity helps students:
- Explore spices using touch, smell, and sight
- Create textured artwork using paprika, cocoa powder, and paint
- Learn how explorers like Columbus were driven by trade opportunities
This resource includes a clear set of print-and-use instructions. All you need are a few household items and a group of curious students!
📽️ The Life of Christopher Columbus PowerPoint
Guide students through the essential moments of Columbus’ life and voyages with this informative PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation. Each slide features:
- Age-appropriate facts about Columbus’ early life, motivations, and expeditions
- Colorful visuals to maintain student engagement
- Opportunities for discussion and comprehension checks along the way
This slideshow is perfect for interactive whole-class teaching and can easily be added to any explorer-themed lesson plan.
📖 Columbus Day Reading Comprehension Resource
Strengthen reading skills with this Columbus Day comprehension activity built for upper elementary learners. Your students will:
- Read a nonfiction passage focused on Columbus’ journey and legacy
- Answer six standards-aligned questions to demonstrate understanding
- Work digitally or on paper—perfect for flexible classroom setups
This activity is ideal for integrating ELA skills into your social studies instruction and works well for individual work, small groups, or homework.
All resources are downloadable, printable, and teacher-friendly, so you can focus more on engaging your students and less on prep time. Find more resources like this at https://www.twinkl.com/l/zkxo5!
