I have created a free study guide to use with this very important book!
Age level
This book is actually two books in one, and adaptable to all ages.
Book One is a narrative of the life and discoveries of Columbus, written by Edward Everett Hale in 1892, and based on the journals and letters of Columbus (and others). It is easily appropriate for elementary through high school, as well as a family read-aloud.
Book Two is a collection of those actual letters and journals for reference and details. It is sometimes harder reading, so it would be better for advanced or curious elementary students, and great for middle and high school students.
How to use the book and guide
The book and this study-guide make a great stand-alone study of the life and voyages of Christopher Columbus, or they can be used as a supplement to any world history or American history curriculum you currently use. This guide includes maps, notebooking pages, illustrations, and research topics.
The Bonus Links here help to extend your fun! Here you will find a chapter-by-chapter guide to websites and activities that perfectly accompany this guide.
Whether studying explorers of the world or the beginnings of American history, this book will add significant detail and the guide will provide ideas for more research and activities for all ages.
Get the Christopher Columbus Study Guide free PDF download here
Study Guide helps:
- a globe or world atlas
- colored pencils
- 3-ring binder
Recommended reading for high school and adult:
- Debunking Howard Zinn by Mary Grabar
- Christopher Columbus The Hero: Defending Columbus From Modern Day Revisionism
- Admiral of the Ocean Sea by Samuel Eliot Morrison
Suggested supplemental books for children:
- The World of Columbus and Sons by Genevieve Foster
- Christopher Columbus by Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire
Geography and Navigation
- Instructions for making a quadrant from Uplifting Mayhem
- Video exploring landforms and water forms:
Chapter I
Chapter II
- Take a field trip to see the Nina and Pinta when they dock near you! Visit the Sanger Ships, LLC. website to learn more about these replica ships, view the gallery, and get their touring schedule.
- You can also visit the Nao Santa Maria, a replical of Columbus’s ship.
- History of Moorish Spain
Chapter III
Explore an interactive map of the four voyages here
Chapter IV
- Read Columbus Makes Landfall in the Caribbean at National Geographic
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter IX
See a video of “gold washing” below:
Chapter XI
- Read a copy of Columbus’ Book of Prophecies online
- Use this Age of Exploration Timeline to see how close the other world explorers were to Columbus in history
Chapter XIII
This page has links to articles about the remains of Columbus, portraits, and a lot more!
The movie 1492: Conquest of Paradise is a decent one for Hollywood. I would allow it in my home for at least ages 10 and up, maybe younger. There are naked buttocks because of the native islanders, of course. But if you want a fairly accurate portrayal of Columbus, this is good.
Nicki’s blog posts about Columbus and history revisionists:
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