MassachusettsHISTORY EXPLORERS GRADES 3–8
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Quick glossary
evidence
Information from a source that helps us test a claim.
source
A document, object, image, or account we can examine.
inference
An explanation based on clues; it still needs checking.
migration
Moving from one place to another to live.
immigrant
A person who moves to another country to live.
estimate
An approximate amount, based on available information.
oral history
A recorded interview about someone’s memories and experiences.
community
People connected by a place, relationships, or shared activities.
ancestry
Family origins across generations.
primary source
Evidence created by someone who experienced a time or event.

John Smith maps the coast

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All four include an image, vocabulary, comprehension questions, a follow-up reading, and teacher guidance. These English PDFs have selectable text; use the reading below for adjustable text and listening tools.

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John Smith’s New England map, in an edition cataloged around 1624 by the Leventhal Map & Education Center. First published in 1616 after his 1614 voyage.
John Smith’s New England map, in an edition cataloged around 1624 by the Leventhal Map & Education Center. First published in 1616 after his 1614 voyage.

Words to know

map
a drawing or display that represents places
coast
land next to the ocean
purpose
the reason something is done

John Smith sailed along the coast and made a map. He called the region New England. Native people already lived there. The map helped English readers picture the coast, but left out many stories.

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What happened? Point to a detail that supports your answer. What does the picture help you understand? What would you like to investigate next?

Follow-up: The Great Dying

A terrible sickness spread through many Native communities near the coast. Many people died. Families lost loved ones. Survivors kept caring for each other. Native nations continued, and their descendants live here today.

How are the two events connected or different? Their order does not prove that one caused the other.

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Check the evidence

Research source for this event ↗

John Smith; Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library. Public domain historical map. Image source and rights ↗

Historical images, later portraits, reconstructions, and modern topic illustrations are identified in their captions. They are different kinds of evidence.

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