Who Really Discovered America?

Today we will be viewing parts of the documentary, "Who Really Discovered America?"

While watching this documentary, I want you to keep notes on the various "candidates" for the first to arrive.  Of course we already know that people were already here -- and possibly even Europeans -- but keep some notes (including their names, locations and dates) on the people that are discussed.

Note details for each of the following discoveries:

• Native Americans
• Solutrean
• Japanese
• Hebrew
• Chinese
• Irish
• Polynesia
• Viking
• Welsh

Also make some notes on the archeological techniques used to support or investigate each discovery.

At the end of the video you can sit with another person and compare notes.  I want you to make sure you have dates because there will be a homework assignment.

HOMEWORK:

1. Use the dates in your notes to create a time line with notes (annotated) about the "Discovery of America".
2. Which of the theories has solid evidence to support it as a viable theory?
3. Why do you think there is continuing discussion/debate about the "discovery" of America?

Here are some examples of time line, although you can choose your format:

Finally, check out this clip demonstrating how similar art is throughout history.