The activity “Vasco Da Gama” was developed using the Learning Magic Text and Graphics Click to Read TGCR template. In this template, the child is presented with a graphic and a text box with one to three paragraphs of information regarding the subject, and that page is then followed by a page with a multiple choice question to ascertain the student’s comprehension of the previously read materials.
The child has the ability to go back and re-read the section if desired. Also a child needing extra support can click on the text box and the text will be read aloud to him or her. Behind the scenes we are capturing all their responses and automatically generating a graded report through the IntelliPics Studio 3® portfolio management and reporting system.
In “Vasco da Gama” the child will read that Vasco was born into a wealthy Portuguese family.He learned early about navigation and astronomy. His father was also an explorer. Vasco joined the Portuguese navy at an early age. In the early 1490s Portugal and Spain were trying to find the fastest routes to India and the Spice Islands, because spices and other food stuffs would bring enormous riches to the country who establish trade routes the fastest.
King Manuel asked Vasco’s father to lead an expedition around the tip of Africa and then eastward to India but Vasco’s father died before the expedition could be completed. Vasco took charge and led the expedition into unknown and dangerous waters. From the onset in 1497 to the completion of the trip in 1499 Vasco and his crew faced great difficulties both in navigation and in establishing trade arrangements in the Muslim-based trade centers.
Despite these difficulties, Vasco returned home as a hero in 1499 and was the first explorer to travel from Portugal to India and back entirely by boat. Later Vasco and the Portuguese navy returned in 1502 and avenged some of the wrongs that had been done to Vasco on his first voyage. The activity recounts the voyage, and the subsequent establishment of the Portuguese empire as a major force during the Age of Discovery.
The activity can be run on the IntelliTools Classroom Suite Player. But IntelliPics Studio 3® is needed to perform data capture, automatic grading and portfolio management, as well as any editing or changes to the activity itself.
Applications needed: IntelliTools Classroom Suite®, IntelliTools Classroom Suite Player®, or IntelliPics Studio 3®.
Curriculum area: Language Arts and History.
Level: Grades 3-5.
Download activity here: vasco.zip (2.5 MB)
