This Spanish Exploration lesson challenges students to examine the motivations, actions, and consequences of Spanish conquistadors through video analysis, primary source documents, and structured argument writing. Students go beyond memorizing facts to evaluate whether Spanish exploration should be remembered as a success or failure.

Designed for upper elementary and middle school social studies classrooms, this lesson encourages historical empathy, source analysis, and evidence-based reasoning.

⭐ What’s Included:

• Bellwork review of European exploration motivations and technology
• Video-based analysis of Pizarro and Atahualpa
• Critical thinking questions evaluating Spanish actions and ethics
• Primary source document analysis (5 documents) including:
• Spanish conquest claims
• The Three G’s (Gold, God, Glory)
• Native American perspectives
• Bartolomé de Las Casas
• Visual source (painting) analysis

• Group discussion and guided questions for each document
• Claim–Evidence–Analysis exit ticket debating Spanish exploration
  

📚 Skills & Concepts Covered:

• Spanish exploration and conquest
• Conquistadors and imperialism
• Gold, God, and Glory motivations
• Primary source analysis
• Historical bias and perspective
• Ethical evaluation of exploration
• Argument writing using evidence
  

🧑‍🏫 Classroom Uses:

• Core Spanish Exploration lesson
• Small-group document analysis
• Class discussion and debate
• Assessment or performance task
• Perfect for Age of Exploration or Colonization units
• Works well in print or digital formats