Impacts of the Columbian Exchange

In this activity, students will be able to represent the numerous outcomes of the Columbian Exchange on both North America and Europe. This activity will require students to research the goods, ideas, people, diseases, and animals that were exchanged between continents during the Age of Exploration. By using a T-Chart, students will compare the Exchange from the perspectives of both continents, and define the outcome of the exchanges, e.g. increased caloric intake, increased Native American mortality rates, advancement in agricultural methods.

Some examples of things students can examine are

• Turkeys
• Corn
• Tobacco
• Tomatoes
• Horses
• Coffee
• Sheep
• Infectious Disease

Extended Activity

Students should use the Frayer Model storyboard to research and argue the four most significant aspects of the Columbian Exchange. They should include both a description of the good, idea, disease, or food, and a summary of the impact it had.

Student Instructions

Create a T Chart that examines the outcomes of the Columbian Exchange on both North America and Europe.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In one column, identify the goods, ideas, people, diseases, and or animals transferred from the New World to the Old World.
3. In the description box, describe the outcome or impact of that exchange.
4. Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
5. In the other column, do the same for things transferred from the Old World to the New World.