[April 2026] THE AGE OF COLONAZATION ages 12-18
The Age of Colonization – A Homeschool Guide for Ages 12–18
The Age of Colonization!
This was one of the most influential—and complex—periods in world history. It began in the 1500s, when European nations such as Spain, Portugal, England, and France began to claim distant lands as their own. Colonies were established across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, forever changing the world’s cultures, economies, and environments.
Free Learning Resources
Here are some FREE resources to help your students understand the Age of Colonization:
General
-
Ducksters — Simple summaries of the early colonial world.
-
Smithsonian Learning Lab — Maps, artifacts, and documents from the colonial era.
Free Videos & Documentaries
Hands-On Activities
Turn learning into active exploration and analysis:
-
Mayan Temple: Make awesome room decor!
Books to Explore
Encourage students to dig deeper into stories and perspectives:
-
Guns, Germs, and Steel — Jared Diamond
-
The Inca Empire — Dr David M. Jones
-
Canada in the World — Tyler Shipley
History Plus Brings It All Together
At History Plus, we help teens go beyond the surface to truly understand history.
Students will:
-
Watch engaging video lessons created just for ages 12–18
-
Explore the causes and effects of European colonization
-
Analyze trade routes, cultural impacts, and historical outcomes
-
Participate in discussions that develop empathy and critical thinking
This is history at its most eye-opening — exploring ambition, culture, and consequence all at once.
Ready to make history engaging and meaningful?
Join History Plus and start exploring the Age of Colonization today!
— Janaya Allers