So I tried to use a variety of OER materials. I started with the prediction activity that was based on Europe before 1492. The questions are great but the maps the kids use are difficult (this may be why they have been pulled down). I went to New Visions and found a cleared map for before 1492. I had to pull students through this. Some of my students that like to map things hung in there. There are three readings that fit but I choose The Effect of Increased Global Interaction I combined the map lesson with a new to ne lesson Visualizing Oceanic Empires. I loved the idea of this but the sources had lots of references the students did not understand. I added a third except, Flowers and Songs of Sorrow. Students need lots of supports to understand this as well. The visualize piece never really hit. It's not often that I feel like this. I loved this topic as a student and I know it was taught in a less complex way but I know there is something better than what I did today. What do you do?
