Discussion Questions

1. Why were spices so important during the 1400s?

2. How is Columbus Day observed in your town?

3. What do you think about the debate over Columbus Day? Do you think it should be observed? Why or why not?

4. How did Columbus differ from a missionary?

Hands-On Time

• On an outline map of the world draw Columbus' three voyages on it. Use a different color and draw the route Columbus thought he was taking to get to the Spice Islands.
• Pick 5 or 10 spices from your cabinet. Take off the tops. Close your eyes. Can you identify each spice by smell alone?
• Use a clay dough to make items representing what Columbus was looking for: spices, gold, converts, glory.
• Research Columbus's three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Build a replica of one out of Legos™
• Research the food eaten on the voyages. Then make a meal for your family using a similar menu. (Food on board might include: olive oil, molasses, cheese, honey, raisins, rice, garlic, almonds, hardtack, dried beans, sardines, anchovies, salted meats, flour.)

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