New Tools for Sailing: Compass, Astrolabe, and Caravel — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the important new tools for sailing used during the Age of Exploration, including the compass, astrolabe, and caravel. Students will learn how these inventions helped European explorers cross the ocean and reach the Americas, changing the course of history. The passage highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between these tools and the exploration of new lands. It is structured to build foundational literacy skills, includes a glossary of key vocabulary, a Spanish translation, and activities aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards. Also included are comprehension questions, a writing activity, and a graphic organizer to support understanding. This passage is ideal for teachers and students seeking a history reading passage with read aloud audio and Spanish translation, meeting national history and ELA standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Spanish caravel Santa Maria.
Source: Library of Congress - Detroit Publishing Co.

Sailors in the Age of Exploration used new tools to cross the ocean. These tools made it possible to travel farther and safer. The compass, astrolabe, and caravel changed the way people explored the world.

The compass was a small tool that pointed north. It helped sailors know their direction, even when they could not see the sun or stars. Before the compass, sailors often got lost at sea. With the compass, they could travel with more confidence.

The astrolabe was another important tool. It looked like a flat metal circle with a moving arm. Sailors used the astrolabe to find their position by measuring the height of the sun or stars. This helped them know where they were on the open water. With the astrolabe, sailors could make better maps and plan their trips.

The caravel was a new type of ship. It was smaller and faster than older ships. The caravel had special sails that could catch wind from many directions. This made it easier to steer and move quickly. Caravels could travel long distances, even against strong winds. Many famous explorers, like Christopher Columbus, used caravels on their journeys.

These new tools helped European sailors reach new lands. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean and landed in the Americas. When they arrived, they met the Native Americans who already lived there. The meeting of these two worlds changed history. New foods, animals, and ideas were shared between Europe and the Americas.

With better tools, explorers took bigger risks. They brought back stories of new places and people. Their journeys helped make maps more accurate. These tools made exploration safer and faster, leading to more discoveries.

Interesting Fact: The compass was first invented in China more than 1,000 years before European explorers used it to sail across the ocean.

What tool helped sailors find direction?

CompassMapAstrolabeCaravel

Which tool measured the sun or stars?

AstrolabeCompassCaravelMap

Who lived in the Americas first?

Native AmericansEuropean sailorsAstrolabe makersMap makers

Why was the caravel important?

It was fast and easy to steerIt was very bigIt could flyIt had many cannons

What happened after explorers used new tools?

They traveled farther and saferThey stayed homeThey lost their way more oftenThey built castles

What was one effect of meeting Native Americans?