Activity: Old World/New World: The Columbian Exchange

Recommended Grade Level: 2nd – High School Subject(s): Social Studies TEKS Requirements Supported: SS: 2.5; 3.4; 6.7, 6.17; WH.1, WH.15; WG.1 Time Required: 30 mins

Objectives: Students will gain a basic understanding of plants and animals found in the “New World” (i.e. continents in the Western Hemisphere) that originated from the “Old World” (i.e. Eastern Hemisphere) vs. plants and animals that are native to the “New World”. This exchange is widely referred to as “The Columbian Exchange”.

Materials: . Large World Map . List of Old World and New World plants and animals (provided below) . Cutout example pictures of Old World and New World plants and animals . Tape

Background: Archaeologists refer to different parts of the world as “Old World” and “New World”. “Old World” refers to Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia whereas “New World” refers to the Americas. Many common plants and animals that we see today were not native to the Americas. The items were introduced by European explorers and colonists.

Procedure: Before beginning this activity, find and cutout various pictures of Old World and New World plants and animals and put tape on the back of each picture. Define “Old World” and “New World” by pointing to these regions on the map. Explain to students the concepts of introducing Old World plants and animals to the New World. Below you will find a list of items and their designation of Old World or New World. Have the students take turns placing the items on the world map. After, discuss how the exchange influenced different cultures in the New and Old Worlds.

Examples of Old World vs. New World Plants and Animals

Old World New World Plants & Animals Plants & Animals cow peach white potato pineapple goat pig Dog beans horse rice Guniea Pig pumpkin barley sheep Llama squash olive sugar white potato sunflower onion wheat tomato sweet potato orange grapes turkey avocado banana coffee vanilla bell pepper chicken papaya chili pepper peanut tobacco