The age of exploration began in the late part of this century?
The late 1400s.
100
What year did Christopher Columbus set sail to North America?
In 1492.
100
This tool was used by explorers to figure out direction. It is still in use today. This tool has a magnetic needle balanced on a small metal post. The needle spins freely and the needle point is attracted by the powerful magnetic field that lines up close to the North Pole. The needle will always point North. If a ships captain ccould figure out which direction was north, he could find the other directions. What is the name of this tool?
This tool is a compass.
200
The earliest explorers did not set out to find new continents, such as the Americas. What were they looking for when they set sail on unknown seas?
The earliest explorers were looking for routes to Asia.
200
This object is a circular piece of metal with marks around its edges. A bar attached to it can be rotated about the center as a pointer. A sailor would hold this object by a loop at the top. He would then tilt the bar so it lined up against the sun, the North Star, or another known star. He would measure the latitude of his ship by measuring the angle of the star above the horizon. The angle would tell him how far north or south the ship was from the equator. With this object explorers can sail accurately by day or night. What is the name of this object?
This object is an astrolabe.
200
What land masses are referred to when you hear the "Americas"?
The Americas are the land masses of North America, Central America, and South America.
300
Define the term Archaeologist.
An archaeologist is a scientist who studies artifacts to learn about past cultures.
300
During the Age of exploration, rulers wanted to spread their power to the New World. Sometimes they paid for the explorers' ships and crews. These explorers carried flags or banners to honor their kings and queens. Once explorers reached a new land, they planted a flag to claim, or take, that land for their country. Spanish ships often flew a flag that showed a cross. Spanish flags also included two letters on them. What were the two letters?
The Spanish flags also had the letter "F" for King Ferdinand and a "Y" for Queen Ysabel ("Isabella" in English).
300
Why did Catholic rulers send priests and armies to other lands?
In the 1500s, explorers from Europe were Christians. Many carried a Bible with them. Part of their mission was to convert people to the Catholic Church.
400
Spanish rulers sent explorers to the New World hoping that they would bring back these precious metals?
Europeans counted wealth in gold and silver. They made their most valuable coins from these metals. Gold and silver was brought back to Spain from the Americas.
400
Name at least 5 crops found in the Americas grown by Native Americans and brought back to Europe.
Corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, squash, tomatoes, pineapple, and cacao.
400
This plant grew throughout the Americas, was used by Native Americans as part of religious and peacemaking ceremonies, and became very popular in Europe when explorers brought it back. What is the name of this plant and what term is used to describe how it is grown and sold?
It is a tobacco plant. The tobacco plant became a cash crop because it was grown in large quantities for sale.
500
Christianity reached Europe almost 2,000 years ago during the time of the Roman Empire, but it began in what part of the world?
Christianity began in the Middle East.
500
Name at least two ways Archaeologists find a sunken ship?
Archaeologist look at old ship records kept by European merchants, they read tales told by shipwreck survivors, and sonar, which uses sound waves to detect sunken objects, such as anchors or cannons.
500
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella wanted more power for their kingdom of Spain. How would exploration help them gain more power?
Gaining more land and natural resources would strengthen their kingdom of Spain.