Age of Exploration Vocabulary 8/15/12

Write the vocabulary word in a circle on the left side of the page Write the definition in the middle Draw an illustration, word, or symbol to represent the definition in a square on the right side of the page

Age of Exploration In the 1400’s, sailors from Europe started to look for new trade routes to the Far East, hoping to get rich. Over the next 300 years, most of the world was visited and mapped by European explorers. This time in history is called the “Age of Exploration,” or the “Age of Discovery.”

Explorer A person who travels to learn and to discover.

Trader A person whose business it is to buy, sell, or exchange things.

Fifteenth Century The period of time from 1400-1500 A.D. The time when the Age of Discovery began.

Navigation The science of planning and controlling the direction of a ship.

Astrolabe An navigational instrument which allowed sailors to determine their position at sea (latitude)by using the stars for navigational purposes.

Magnetic Compass A tool or instrument for finding directions by first locating north.

Caravel A small, fast type of sailing ship used by most European explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries (Spain and Portugal).

Trade Routes A roadway that is used by traders; a route used by trading ships or caravans

Continent One of the main land masses on earth, which is usually made up of countries. Seven continents: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Antarctica

Islam The Muslim religion. Over 1 billion in the world practice Islam, mostly in Africa and Asia.

Circumnavigate To sail completely around something, such as the globe.

Settlement A small community or village built in a new land.

Mariner A seaman or sailor.

Trade Goods Valuable things that can be traded for other things.

Illiterate A person who cannot read or write. Most Europeans were illiterate 600 years ago.

In your notes: Please write a story pertaining to the Age of Discovery with six of the vocabulary words. This story must contain EIGHT complete sentences. Please underline the vocab word. Please illustrate your story at the bottom of the page when you are finished writing. Thank you!