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Viking Deception, The

Viewing Ideas  Print this Teacher's Guide (PDF, 5 pages)

Before Watching

1. Ask students what they know about the Vikings and their colonization of other areas? (The Vikings were a people from Scandinavia who were farmers, traders, shipbuilders, and colonizers; they began colonizing in the second half of the eighth century when they raided England.) How far west did they colonize? (There is archeological evidence of a Viking settlement on Newfoundland.)

2. What do students think of when they hear the word forgery? Define forgery for students. (The act of falsely making, altering, or imitating something with the purpose to defraud.) What kinds of items are forged? (Some examples include money, art, historical artifacts, and check signatures.)

3. Divide the class into three teams and have them take notes on one of the following topics: evidence that the Vinland Map was forged, evidence that the map is authentic, and why the Vinland Map is important.

After Watching

1. Hold a discussion about the topics students took notes on while watching. Discuss the evidence supporting and disproving the forgery. How does it compare? Poll students to find out whether they believe the map is authentic. If students have differing opinions, ask them to explain the reasoning behind their views. Conclude by discussing what it means if the map is or is not authentic.

2. Scientists used a number of different technologies to examine the map's parchment and ink. Have students choose and research one of the technologies featured in the program. Ask students to write a one-page paper on how the technology works and what it is used for.