Grade: 3-7 / TIME: TERM
The Ultimate Explorer Project!
Bring history to life with this engaging, cross-curricular unit that blends Social Studies, Language Arts, Art, and STEM into one unforgettable learning experience! Perfect for upper elementary, this project guides students through five exciting parts:
Research a European Explorer – Build strong research and inquiry skills.
Create a Character Profile – Design an original explorer persona.
Write & Publish a Storybook about your Explorer and their Exploration ~ Develop narrative writing with story planning sheets, drafting, and a polished “Good Copy” picture book.
Build a Story Box with Artifacts ~ Craft five story-related artifacts, each revealed at the right moment in the book for a surprise interactive reading experience.
Engineer a Popsicle Stick Ship ~ Put STEM skills to the test with a floating challenge!
This unit runs beautifully over an entire term, weaving together research, creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Students love the mix of history, storytelling, and building, while teachers appreciate the deep skill development and curriculum connections. A classroom favorite that makes explorers unforgettable as students share their journey along the way!
Includes step by step worksheets for each part and a student and teacher assessment rubric with a small reflection at the end.
TIPS: Teacher Tips has been added at the last page to this unit.
Grade: 3-7 / TIME: TERM
The Ultimate Explorer Project!
Bring history to life with this engaging, cross-curricular unit that blends Social Studies, Language Arts, Art, and STEM into one unforgettable learning experience! Perfect for upper elementary, this project guides students through five exciting parts:
Research a European Explorer – Build strong research and inquiry skills.
Create a Character Profile – Design an original explorer persona.
Write & Publish a Storybook about your Explorer and their Exploration ~ Develop narrative writing with story planning sheets, drafting, and a polished “Good Copy” picture book.
Build a Story Box with Artifacts ~ Craft five story-related artifacts, each revealed at the right moment in the book for a surprise interactive reading experience.
Engineer a Popsicle Stick Ship ~ Put STEM skills to the test with a floating challenge!
This unit runs beautifully over an entire term, weaving together research, creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Students love the mix of history, storytelling, and building, while teachers appreciate the deep skill development and curriculum connections. A classroom favorite that makes explorers unforgettable as students share their journey along the way!
Includes step by step worksheets for each part and a student and teacher assessment rubric with a small reflection at the end.
TIPS: Teacher Tips has been added at the last page to this unit.
