Social Studies Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Famous Explorers Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 on famous explorers: people who traveled to unfamiliar places to learn about the world, from Columbus and Magellan to Sacagawea and Neil Armstrong. Students match eight clues to explorers, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Social Studies
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Famous Explorers, world history
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
An explorer is a person who travels to places new to them in order to learn about the world, often facing danger and the unknown. Explorers have crossed oceans, mapped coastlines, and reached places no one from their homeland had seen, spreading knowledge and changing maps. This worksheet teaches students about several famous explorers and what each is known for.
Section A gives eight clues (reached the Americas in 1492; led the first expedition to sail around the world) and asks students to name the explorer. The reference box teaches the idea with Leif Erikson and Amelia Earhart, explorers not used in the items.
Section B asks students to define an explorer, name one and their achievement, list two ways explorers travel, and explain why we still remember them. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds world-history knowledge.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and locate a few explorers’ journeys on a world map.
Complete Section A independently – have students match each achievement to a name.
Work Section B item 10 together: name an explorer and their achievement.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Famous Americans Worksheet or the Native Peoples Worksheet for a history mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Famous Explorers Worksheet
A printable social studies worksheet for grades 4-6 on famous explorers: people who traveled to unfamiliar places to learn about the world, from Columbus and Magellan to Sacagawea and Neil Armstrong. Students match eight clues to explorers, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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