Did the Age of Exploration Bring More Harm Than Good?

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This inquiry considers early European and American exploration of the northern Great Plains and the impacts it had. This topic is introduced through the investigation of the compelling question “did the age of exploration bring more harm than good?” The importance of understanding this context is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand the intense pressure and tension between Native Americans and the United States to maintain control over the Great Plains and (2) students will benefit from understanding how exploration led to both positive and negative impacts for Native Americans, Europeans, and Americans.

The terms “Native Americans” and “Native peoples” are used in this inquiry. The terms “American Indians” and “Indians” are used in much of the scholarly literature. In this inquiry, precise tribal names will be used when they are known.

This inquiry is expected to take three class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
Did the age of exploration bring more harm than good?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.4.2 Analyze European exploration and early settlement of North Dakota and its impact on Native American groups.
Staging the Question
What were some of the positive and negative impacts that European and American exploration had on Native Americans, Europeans, and Americans?
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
Who were the early European and American explorers to visit the northern Great Plains?
What was the significance of La Verendrye’s visit to the Mandan villages?
Was the Lewis and Clark expedition of the Louisiana Purchase significant?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Write a summary or outline of how European and American understanding of the northern Great Plains was expanded during this time.
Create a map or a timeline that depicts what Verendrye’s visit to the Mandan was like.
Write a summary of the cultural exchange that occurred between Lewis and Clark’s expedition and Native Americans.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Native American Map Set
  • Early Exploration Map Set
  • LaVerendrye Visits the Mandan Document Set
  • People of the Upper Missouri Document Set
Summative Performance Task
Argument
How did exploration of the northern Great Plains impact the people living there and the Europeans and Americans who moved there? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Create a poster and present your argument to your class with evidence to support your claims.
Extension
Invite a Native American elder or tribal community representative to speak to your class either in-person or virtually.
Taking Informed Action

Understand: Identify tribes who consider the land where your community is as part of their traditional homelands.

Assess: Determine what has happened to those people—who are they and where do they live now? Are their ways in which your community can support them today?

Act: Using the poster and additional research you conducted, create a short documentary film. Present the documentary to your community during a history fair.