Christopher Columbus remains one of the most studied yet the least known of major historical figures. In this lesson, students read excerpts from Columbus's letters and journals, as well as recent considerations of his achievements so that they can reflect on the motivations behind Columbus's explorations, his reactions to what he found, and the consequences, intended and unintended, of his endeavors. The lesson plan contains material on how to prepare to teach the lesson, including notes to the teacher and guiding questions. It also contains suggested activities for eight lessons, divided into Part 1: Columbus Speaks (Lesson 1: Dear Diary; Lesson 2: Dear Europe; Lesson 3: Dear Ferdinand and Isabella; Lesson 4: What Was Columbus Thinking?); Part 2: The Scholars Speak (Lesson 5: Looking Back at Columbus); Part 3: The Students Speak (Lesson 6: Organizing Facts and Findings; Lesson 7: But Instead...; Lesson 8: Learning about Columbus); and Extending the Lesson. The lesson plan provides detailed information and ideas for teaching each lesson; cites learning objectives; gives appropriate grade levels (Grades 3-5) and time required for each lesson; and outlines national standards for social studies, geography, and English covered in the lesson plan. Contains a list of helpful Web sites and additional resources. (NKA)