Contextualization

The period of the Age of Exploration was a landmark in world history that set in motion a series of decisive events for the configuration of the world as we know it today. From the end of the 15th century and throughout the 16th century, various European nations launched themselves into the sea in search of new commercial routes and unknown lands. Embarked on risky and uncertain journeys, navigators and sailors challenged the limits of the geographical knowledge of the time, expanding the horizons of the old world and establishing the first direct contacts with civilizations hitherto unknown to Europeans.

The need to find alternative routes to the Indies and the desire to expand the territories under their domain led nations such as Portugal and Spain to invest in naval technologies and in the training of sailors. These maritime explorations resulted in the discovery of new territories, new peoples and new cultures, but they were also responsible for tragic events, such as slavery and the devastation of entire civilizations.

Importance of the Age of Exploration

The historical importance of the Age of Exploration is not limited to the discovery of new territories. They were responsible for profound changes in the way humanity perceived itself and the world around it. The expansion of geographical horizons led to a necessary expansion of cultural horizons, challenging pre-established conceptions and leading to a reassessment of religious, philosophical and scientific dogmas.

In addition, the Age of Exploration triggered the process of globalization, intensifying cultural and economic contacts and exchanges between Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. They also laid the foundations for the colonization and economic exploitation of vast parts of the world by European nations, with implications that persist to this day.

Practical Activity: "Journey Through the Age of Exploration"

Objective of the Project

This activity aims to provide students with a hands-on experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the Age of Exploration era. The group must recreate cultural, historical, geographical, and economic aspects of the period in an interactive and visually appealing format.

Description of the Activity

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people and each group will be responsible for choosing one of the main maritime expeditions of the time. They must conduct in-depth research on their chosen journey and recreate it on an interactive map, which must include physical aspects (such as travel route, topography of the discovered lands) and cultural aspects (such as interaction with native peoples, commercial exchanges).

Required Materials

• Research materials (books, internet, videos)
• Large cardboard
• Art supplies (glue, paints, brushes, markers, scissors, etc.)
• Printing resources or images for cutting

Detailed step-by-step procedure for carrying out the activity

1. Research: Each group must research the expedition they have chosen to approach, collecting information on the travel route, the countries involved, the ships used, the interaction with local civilizations, the goods exchanged, etc.

2. Planning: Based on the research, students must plan the map and the information they wish to include in it. They must divide the tasks among the group members.

3. Map Creation: Using cardboard and art supplies, students must recreate the route of the journey. They should also include images or icons that represent important events or notable facts about the expedition.

4. Captions: Each important point on the map should have an explanatory caption. The caption should contain a brief but informative description of what the point represents.

5. Presentation: Each group should present their map to the class, explaining their research and the decisions made when creating the map.

Project Deliverables

Written Document: Along with the interactive map, each group must submit a written report on the project, which must have the following structure:

1. Introduction: Contextualization of the chosen theme, explanation of the relevance of the expedition and the objective of the project.

2. Development: Detailed exposition of the theory and historical data behind the chosen journey. Methodology used to create the map and discussion of the results obtained.

3. Conclusion: Brief summary of the main points of the project, an assessment of the lessons learned and a reflection on the importance of the Age of Exploration.

4. Bibliography: Bibliographic references and all research sources used.

This report will allow students to articulate their understanding of the Age of Exploration and its historical importance, as well as enhance formal writing skills and the proper use of bibliographic references.

Evaluation

The evaluation will be based on both the written document and the interactive map. The following will be considered: the accuracy and depth of the historical research, the quality and clarity of the oral presentation, the creativity and visual design of the interactive map, and the commitment and collaboration among the group members.