Open-Ended Questions

Worksheet Description

The Columbus Day worksheet is a thought-provoking activity designed to encourage students to engage with the history and significance of Columbus Day. It provides a series of open-ended questions that require students to reflect on what they know about the holiday, its controversies, and alternative observances. At the top of the worksheet, there is a space for the student’s name, allowing for individual responses.

The first question asks, “What is Columbus Day?” prompting students to recall and write down the purpose and origins of the holiday. The following question, “Why is Columbus Day controversial?” encourages students to consider and articulate the reasons why the day might be seen differently by various groups. The worksheet also inquires about alternative observances that share the date of Columbus Day, inviting students to explore other cultural perspectives. Finally, students are asked to express their own views on whether Columbus Day should be celebrated and to provide reasons for their opinion. This exercise not only educates students on historical facts but also fosters critical thinking and discussion about the complexities of historical commemoration. It is an ideal tool for educators to use in fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Columbus Day among students.