Explorers Convention 2009

On Wednesday, March 4th, we will hold our annual Explorers Convention! Many of the most renowned explorers and conquistadors will be in attendance. You represent one of these men. On Wednesday, make sure you come ready with the information as stated below and IN COSTUME! That's right - be dressed for the part!Enjoy this years convention by attending a number of intellectually stimulating workshops like How To Be A Kinder, Gentler Conquistador, and Honesty is the Best Policy - We were here for Gold not God!


Follow these directions:

-Open up a new word document on your desktop.
-Copy and paste the questions below to the word document.
-Begin to research the answers to these questions.
-When complete - PRINT AND BRING TO CLASS ON WEDNESDAY!

THE QUESTIONS:

1. What is the name of your famous explorer?
2. What is his nationality? (where was he born)
3. What was he exploring or looking for?
4. What did he find?
5. How many voyages did he make?
6. What became of your famous explorer? (did he die? worshipped as a hero? etc...)
7. What is the major accomplishment he is remembered for?
- Copy and Paste at least one picture of your explorer on the word doc.
- Copy and Paste at least one map of the voyages or places explored on the word doc.

THESE LINKS (right hand side of this blog) WILL HELP YOU COMPLETE THIS TASK. Browse for your explorer. Good luck and see you Wednesday. Questions? email me at bmarkwald@usmk12.org

Coronado's Letter to the King, October 20th, 1541

After reading Coronado's own words describing his journey into what we call the Great Plains, take a moment and answer the questions below. We will discuss them in class tomorrow.

1. Although not mentioned by name, Coronado's monarch was King Carlos I (Charles the first, to you and me). How does Coronado speak to him? How does he acknowledge his monarch? Cite an example.

2. What is a league? How far is 300 leagues?

3. What are the "cows" of Coronado's incredible journey? Why "cows"?

4. Cite a passage from this piece that gives an idea of the amount of these animals.

5. Each group of people Coronado encounters uses these "cows" the same way. Make a list of the practical uses of these animals.

6. What beasts of burden were used to move native people's belongings?

7. At a point in his journey, Coronado receives disheartening information about Quivira. He decides to divide the expedition with the main force staying behind. Coronado forges ahead with only 30 men. (page 216) This could have been disastrous for Coronado - what dangers is he facing according to his account?

8. Out there on the vast and featureless Great Plains, how in the world did Coronado and his men cook the food they ate?

9. What was the difficulty with language Coronado writes about on page 218?

10. In the end, what is Coronado "sure of" in terms of this expansive country?

11. Coronado ends his letter explaining that the stories he was given were false. What does Coronado reveal to the King as the true purpose for the indians to tell him these fantasical stories about wealthy cities and native peoples?

12. Cite examples - in his report to His Majesty what are Coronado's feelings concerning the establishment of settlements in this area?

Mr. Salerno and the Lakota People

Thank you, Mr. Salerno, for sharing your personal experience on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Students, please take a moment to write a comment (click comments) to give your thoughts about Mr. Salerno's presentation about the Lakota people today and the conditions of the reservation. Just write your comment and include your First Name and last initial then choose anonymous. Okay, see you Monday!