Lesson 5: The Columbian Exchange
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Students will evaluate the short- and long-term consequences of the Columbian Exchange and assess how unintended consequences drive historical change.
How do unintended consequences shape historical change?
Can exchange produce both benefit and harm at the same time?
How should impact be measured over time?
Unintended consequences
Biological exchange
Demographic change
HIS.9-12.2 Analyze change and continuity over time.
HIS.9-12.9 Analyze how interactions between humans and the environment shape historical processes.
Students synthesize multiple texts and evaluate impact across time periods.
Students analyze environmental, biological, and social consequences of the Columbian Exchange. Primary DOK level: 4.
Pandemics, environmental change, global food systems, and public health.
Students may reduce the exchange to a list of goods.
Students may overlook long-term demographic effects.
Visual modeling tools.
Choice in response format.
Evaluative written argument assessing overall impact.
Charts, visuals, short readings.