Name: ______________________
Social Studies 7
Date: _____________
Mapping: “The Hunters Reach America”
Context: Scientists think the first people arrived in the Americas about 10,000 to 100,000
years ago. During this time, the world was covered by glaciers. Due to the world’s water
supply freezing, ocean levels dropped. This exposed a bridge of land connecting Asia to
North America. This land bridge became known as the Bering Strait.
Directions: Please go step by step to label the attached map, and then answer the following
questions. The following pages in your textbook will be useful: A-4, A-8, and page 7.
Step 1. Use the pages above to label the following locations on your map. Once you have labeled
the location, please place a check mark by it.
North America
Asia
Atlantic Ocean
Bering Strait
Appalachian Mountains
South America
Pacific Ocean
Bering Sea
Rocky Mountains
Step 2. Use different colors (your choice, but be careful!) to shade the areas where glaciers
existed and where a land bridge was exposed during the last ice age. *Hint: Page 7 is a great
source!*
Step 3. Draw the routes taken by ancient peoples who crossed the land bridge from Asia to North
and South America. (On page 7, follow the green arrows!)
Step 4. Create a key in the blank box in the lower left hand corner.
Step 5. Questions.
1. In what directions did the ancient people travel when they crossed the land bridge?
2. What happened to the land bridge across which these people traveled?
3. Through which mountain range did ancient people travel in western North America? In
eastern North America?
4. Why might these people have left Asia?
5. What factors would have led to their survival in North and South America?