California State Standard 5.2 is delineated as: Students trace the routes of early explorers and describe the early explorations of the Americas. The Age of Exploration, which began in the late 1400s, was an important era in the discovery and development of land yet unknown to Europeans. During this period, Europeans sought new sea routes to Asia in pursuit of economic gain, glory, and opportunities to spread Christianity. Although these were motivations for explorers, the impact from the discoveries resulted in significant changes and achievements that created possibilities and opened a new world for all of Europe. During the presentation for Grade 5, students are involved with geographic literacy activities and improving their understanding of the obstacles faced by early explorers. Activities are based on a case study of Ferdinand Magellan, a model for use in the study of other explorers. The lesson discusses significance of topic ("Beginning the Topic"; "Developing the Topic"; "Culminating the Topic"); extended and correlated activities; resources for the sample topic; Appendix II-1; Appendix II-2--"Exploration, the First Fifty Years"; Appendix II-3--"Treaty of Tordesillas"; Appendix II-4--"Pigafetta's Journal"; and Appendix II-5--"Directions for Making an Astrolabe." The lesson also contains focus questions; relevant vocabulary; reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities; assessment information; and general resources. (BT)