Creator: Ian Chadwick | visit site
Grade Range: 6 - 11
This site details the life and many attempted voyages of the English explorer Henry Hudson. Although the site is very "wordy," it is very inclusive and excellent for research. It includes a lot of facts, maps, information about each voyage, information about nautical measurements, and details about his ships and crews. The information and maps available here are based on the author combing historical books and documents and information. An extensive bibliography and list of weblinks relating to Hudson adds interest to the maps and history on the site.
In the Classroom
Have the students make a cumulative map of all Hudson’s voyages together in order for them to get a chance to become intimately familiar with the map making process. Try a site such as Zeemaps, <a href="/single.cfm?id=15592">reviewed here</a>. Zeemaps allows students to create audio recordings AND choose a location on a map where each story takes place. Have each cooperative learning group focus on a different exploration. Compare their creations with the online map which has all four voyages combined. Assign students in a group each a few pages of an imagined journal Henry might have written on each voyage. The most interesting part will be to imagine what happened to him after people no longer heard from him! Use this site as the starting point for individual research papers. Encourage students to find other resources that contribute to their knowledge of Henry Hudson. Have students write a talk Hudson might give if he suddenly woke up today (like Rip Van Winkle). Or make it more Web 2.0 and have students write blog entries. The text passages on this site are also ideal for reading comprehension practice. Project them on an interactive whiteboard for practice in main idea, summarizing, and more.
At Home
If your student is doing a research project on Henry Hudson be sure to check out this site together - loads of information to find!
Tags
Subjects
American History, Geography (US/World), Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, Social Studies,