Columbian Exchange

This week, the 6th graders have been learning about the Age of Exploration and the Columbian Exchange.  Students learned that before the Age of Exploration, many plants and animals were only found on one continent.  It was only after this time that people traded new plants, animals, and ideas (not to mention diseases, guns, and slaves) across the Ocean.  Students made predictions about where they thought popular foods originated from.  They were surprised by some of the results.  Florida oranges originated in Europe and the tomatoes found in so much Italian food came from the Americas.  Students then looked at ethnic restaurant menus and found that most modern meals have a mix from both the New World and Old World.  Students will take their Science and Exploration test next Tuesday, May 3.  They will also begin working on an essay about the influence of the Renaissance on the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Exploration.