Adventure on the high seas!  Exotic places to discover!  Cultures never experienced!  Would you like to be beamed back in time and given the opportunity to be a world explorer?  Hold on!  Maybe it wasn't all excitement and discovery!  What really went on?  Complete this Subject Sampler and learn more.

1. Select three words that are new to you and write the definition.
2. Were there any words that you recognised, and if so what were they?  Make a list of these words in your Social Studies book.
3. After reading the vocabulary list, test the person's knowledge beside you.

1. Provide two reasons why explorers risked their lives to explore the unknown.
2. Were explorers wealthy people who could buy their own ships and equipment? 
3. What do you think might have happened if explorers never explored? 

1. Can you discover an interesting fact about Prince Henry the Navigator?
2. Why did Prince Henry have so many difficulties persuading the captains to sail beyond Cape Bojodar?
3. Do you think it would have been easy designing and building ships during that period of time? Provide reasons to support your answer.

1. What made Christopher Columbus such a famous explorer?
2. Christopher Columbus talks about discovering the Indies. What do we call this group of islands  today?
3. In Columbus's journal he discusses the fact that they have not seen land for many days and the crew are starting to revolt. How would you handle this situation?

1. Can you describe the feelings that the sailors may have felt just before setting sail for their journey around the world?
2. Food was generally scarce during these long journeys. What do you think the sailors substituted their diet with?
3. Five ships started the journey and only one returned. What happened to the other ships?

1. What weapons do you think Cortez used in his battles with the Aztecs?
2. What is meant by 'Cortez attacked by sea'?
3. Do you think life was easy or hard when explorers were establishing new colonies?  Explain your answer.

1. What type of ship was Drake sailing when he and his crew defeated the Spanish Armada?
2. Drake was knighted after returning to England with treasure he had plundered from other countries during his round the world voyage. Do you think the Queen awarded him for stealing?
3. After reading the account of Drake's life, what are your feelings on him becoming a famous explorer?

1. What made Marco Polo's voyages so very different compared to other famous explorers?
2. Who were the other people that explored alongside Marco Polo?
3. Marco Polo returned to his country with many riches from his travels. Do you think this was the main reason for him wanting to explore?

1. Name three famous Australian explorers.
2. Provide a brief description of what made these people famous.
3. What do you think life would have been like living in this period of time?

1. Test your knowledge and skills.
2. Compare your results with a friend.

Explorers faced many hardships.  But their life was also adventurous.  You might have an idea of both extremes of their lives now that you have completed this Subject Sampler.