How's this for an idea? We'll board a rocket and travel to the outer limits of our galaxy. How long will it take? What will we find there? Whom will we meet? What kind of rocket will we need for the journey? OK, we'll have to work out some details. But just think of the money we could make bringing back new and exotic goods from another world!

This may sound like a crazy idea, but that's what people thought 500 years ago when they heard about Columbus' plan. However, Columbus paid no attention to the critics. He was willing to risk sailing into the unknown to acquire the goods that would make him rich. Students can experience this entrepreneurial adventure through The Voyages of Columbus: An Economic Enterprise. This curriculum unit contains three lessons that integrate economics, geography, math, and history.

Students participate in activities through which they examine early trade barriers; identify the incentives to which entrepreneurs respond; analyze the resources, human capital, and technology required for the voyage; and recognize the importance of information in decision making. These activities, combined with a mapping activity and supplemental lessons found in the appendix, enable teachers to use a variety of assessment strategies.

The unit includes a reusable map and ship poster.

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