Exploring history.

Five hundred years ago, a Spanish explorer went searching for gold--and found the Pacific Ocean. His name was Vasco Nunez de Balboa. He was the first European to see the Pacific.

Balboa sailed to South America in 1500. He hoped to find his fortune there. Instead, he spent years as a farmer and a soldier.

But Balboa's luck changed in 1511. American Indians in Panama told him about a great sea with gold near its shores. Early in September 1513, Balboa led an expedition to find both.

On September 29, Balboa reached the sea. With sword in hand, he claimed the water and the land around it for Spain. His trip paved the way for Spanish exploration along South America's western coast.

Words to Know

European: a person from a country in Europe

expedition: a special trip

NEWS SHORT: Exploring History (p.3)

Common Core Lesson:

Sequencing (RI.3.3, RI.3.8)

Ask students if they know of any great explorers and if so, what they are famous for. Many students will probably mention Christopher Columbus, who became famous for landing on what today is known as the Americas. Inform students that another great explorer, named Vasco Nunez de Balboa, was the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean.

Read "Exploring History" with your students. Instruct them to circle dates or words that help them understand when events took place.

On a separate piece of paper, students can...