1. Chapter 3, Lesson 2
ACOS #4: Explain effects of European exploration upon European society and Native Americans, including the economic and cultural impact.
ACOS #4a: Identify significant early European patrons and explorers and early settlements.
ACOS #4b: Locate the countries of origin of early European patrons and explorers.

2. Key Vocabulary Words
1. technology = the use of scientific knowledge and tools to solve problems.
2. navigation = the science of planning and controlling the direction of a ship
3. astrolabe = a tool that measures the height of the sun or a star above the horizon. It was used by sailors for navigation.
4. profit = the money a business has left over after all of its expenses have been paid.
5. slavery = a cruel system in which people are bought and sold and made to work without pay.

3. The Renaissance
Important changes took place during the 1300 and 1400s (renaissance – rebirth).
During the Renaissance, technology in Europe changed.
Technology is the use of scientific knowledge and tools to do things better and faster.
The printing press is an example.

4. Sea Exploration Technology made navigation easier and more accurate.
Navigation is the science of planning and controlling the direction of a ship.
Europeans learned about a navigation tool called an astrolabe. An astrolabe measures the height of the sun or a star above the horizon.
Sailors could use this to tell how far north or south of home they were.

5. The Compass
This invention helped sailors steer without having to see the sun or stars. It has a magnetic needle that always points north.

6. A Sea Route to Asia
The Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to find a new sea route to Asia.
Merchants believed they could make a bigger profit if they traveled by sea.
Profit is the money a business has left over after all of its expenses have been paid.

7. They found a sea route to Asia.
What important contribution did Portuguese explorers make to European trade?
They found a sea route to Asia.

8. Slavery
Portuguese sailors set up a trading post off the coast of West Africa.
These traders forced Africans into slavery and sold them in Europe.
Slavery is a cruel system in which people are bought and sold and made to work without pay.

9. Lesson Review
During the Renaissance, Europeans used new navigation tools. This technology helped them find faster ways to trade goods with Asia. Portuguese sailors sailed around Africa to reach Asia.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The search for a sea route to Asia led to important discoveries in navigation and geography.