Columbus Day Writing
Prompts #3

81. Imagine that you have discovered something completely new that nobody's ever seen before. What would the discovery be? How might you be treated differently? How would this new sighting change your life?

82. In the time of Columbus, being an explorer meant searching the seas for new trade partners, cultures, and colonies. What are some professions that focus on exploration today? How are they similar to Columbus and how are they different? Would you want an exploratory job? Why or why not?

83. You and your fellow villagers on the island of Hispaniola have spotted a ship off in the distance and none of you have ever seen anything like it. What do you and your peers think of the vessel? What do you think its intentions might be? How would you treat the crew members upon their arrival and why?

84. What would it be like to live off the land and use only what was necessary like the American Indians did at the time of Columbus? What are the benefits of such a lifestyle and what are the detriments?

85. Columbus took some natives home with him to Spain to prove his discovery. How would you feel if you were taken from your home to a new land with different clothes, a different language, and everybody staring at you? What would you do to cope with the situation and why?

86. Do you think it was fair for the Spanish and later the British and the Americans to take over land that was originally the home of the American Indians? Why or why not? How do you think your life would be different if the American Indians had been left alone?

87. Imagine that a new person your age has moved into your neighborhood. This person has toys, games, and an amazing house. Would you consider being this person's friend just to use all of the awesome stuff? Would you feel like you were exploiting this person? Why or why not?

88. While some look down on Columbus for his negative practices during the discovery process, others say that he was a product of his time. Which do you believe? Do you think that your actions today could be viewed differently 50, 100 or 200 years into the future? Why or why not?

89. The discovery of the Americas by Columbus opened up a Pandora's Box of new ships and new discoveries throughout North, South, and Central America. Imagine that you started a new trend that you couldn't stop. What might the trend be, how would it spread, and how would it make you feel?

90. You are the captain of the fastest space ship in the galaxy. You and your crew have spotted a new planet that not only seems inhabitable, but contains the first alien species the human race has ever seen! How will you proceed? What will you report back to Earth and why?