New Tools Launch an Age of Exploration
This Grade 7 history skill from California myWorld Interactive explores how new navigational tools and ship designs launched the Age of Exploration in Chapter 9: Global Convergence. Students learn how the caravel, astrolabe, and advances in cartography enabled European sailors to travel farther and explore coastlines around the world.
Key Concepts
European explorers dreamed of reaching Asia by sea, but long ocean voyages were dangerous and uncertain. Sailors needed better ships and more reliable ways to find their way across the vast, open water.
A new ship design, the caravel , was a major breakthrough. These ships were smaller, faster, and could sail in various wind conditions. This design allowed sailors to explore coastlines and travel farther than ever before.
Common Questions
What new tools helped launch the Age of Exploration?
European explorers benefited from the caravel, a new faster ship design, the astrolabe for navigation, and improved maps from advances in cartography. These tools made long-distance ocean voyages possible.
What was the caravel and why was it important?
The caravel was a new type of ship that was smaller, faster, and could sail in various wind conditions. It allowed sailors to explore coastlines and travel farther than ever before.
How did the astrolabe help explorers?
The astrolabe helped sailors determine their location by measuring the position of the sun and stars. Combined with better maps, it gave sailors the confidence to navigate open oceans.
What chapter in California myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers the Age of Exploration?
The Age of Exploration and its new navigational tools are covered in Chapter 9: Global Convergence in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 7.
Why did European explorers want to reach Asia by sea?
European merchants and rulers sought direct sea routes to Asia to access valuable spices and goods without relying on expensive overland trade routes controlled by other powers.