This book is designed to teach students in grades 3–5 to think and learn creatively about famous explorers. It took courage and bravery to go places where, in some cases, no human had ever gone before. Exploration is an exciting topic for children and adults of all ages. This book includes eight stories about famous explorers from early explorers to modern-day explorers. Each story is followed by discussion questions, creative questions, and learning-center activities that provide challenges for your gifted students as well as your on-level students. There is also a research unit which includes the steps to a successful research project and how to implement the unit. 


Grades 3–5. 



The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10; RI.3.1; SL.3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10; RI.5.1; SL.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2, 5.4. 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10; RI.5.1; SL.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6 



Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. 

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. 



Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. 

Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. 

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of texts. 

Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific context. 

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. 



Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. 



Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 

Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. 

Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence. 



Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, 



*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 

Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 

Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 

Copyright Date: 2010