Christopher Columbus. 1451-1506.

Christopher Columbus was a sailor. He was born in Italy. He lived 600 years ago in the 15th century. Can you find Italy on the map?

A voyage

In 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed from Europe across the Atlantic Ocean. He wanted to find a newway to sail to India. The King and Queen of Spain gave him money for the voyage.

A voyage is a long journey.

Columbus sailed with 90 sailors and 3 ships. The voyage took along time. There was little food and water. The sailors were scared.

Land ahoy!

After 70 days, the sailors saw land. Columbus thought it was India. But it was not India. It was a new land - America.

Did you know?

Columbus was not the first person from Europe to travel to America. Viking explorers sailed to America 500 years before him.

Columbus did not discover America.

People were already living there.

Columbus returns

Columbus sailed back to Spain. He gave the king and queen a pine apple and a turkey from America.

Columbus sailed to America three more times. Other explorers also sailed to America.

Activities

1. What do you think Columbus said when he saw land?

A. Draw a picture of Columbus on a ship.

B. Write what you think he said in a speech bubble.

2. Why do you think Columbus gave the king and queen a pine apple and a turkey? Explain your ideas to a friend.

Words

sailor a person who works on a boat or ship 

Discover

 to find or see something for the first time

Challenge

Look at a globe.

Find:  Europe, India, America.