Name | Type | Description |
1492 | DVD | One of many Hollywood Columbus movies to come out in 1992. I don't show much of this one but it does have some of the best cinematography and the scene of landing in the Indies is worthwhile. |
Quest for Columbus: In search of the Santa Maria | DVD | This documentary cuts back and forth between some very good reenactments of Columbus' voyage and modern footage of archaeologists attempting to find the wreckage of the Santa Maria. The reenactments are fantastic but the search parts leave much to be desired. They aren't necessarily boring but they certainly good have been better. Highly recommended for the other portions however. I have not been able to find this for sale online anywhere lately so good luck. |
Columbus: Secrets from the Grave | DVD | Very intesting documentary exploring the birth of Columbus. According to it there is some argument as to whether Columbus was truly born in Italy. The evidence presented is largely one sided against that but it is entertaining and certainly thought provoking. You would really need to show the whole thing as it plays out like a puzzle. As above, hard to find online now. |
Animaniacs: The Ballad of Magellan | VHS | Hopefully this will be on the final Animaniacs DVD (volume 4) which is due out some time in 2008. Until then it is available on Animaniacs Sing Along on VHS. This cartoon runs about 5 minutes and gives an overview of Magellan's voyage in song. Very good stuff. |
Rush - New World Man | Song | Great song to use as background music for any number of slides or topics in an exploration lecture. |
Apollo 13 | DVD | To open this unit I do a brief explanation of exploration today focusing on space. Many films could fit in here (From the Earth to the Moon is great too) but this is my personal favorite. I show just a few minutes to give students a sense of what I'm talking about. |
Pirates of the Caribbean | DVD | I close this unit (and my year) with a discussion on pirates. Exploration, individualism and democracy are all exemplified in the pirate life. (Did you know pirate ships were run as a democracy except in times of battle?) This film clicks quickly with students and opens the discussion. |
True Carribean Pirates | DVD | Excellent documentary from the History Channel that gives the truth behind the history of pirates. Great focus is given to Blackbeard and the documentary is long but broken up it is both highly educational and entertaining. |
Modern Marvels: Pirate Tech | DVD | This doesn't do much to help with the history necessarily but it sure is interesting. Great video to show kids especially as the end of the year nears and focus wanes. |