As we learn about explorers, like Columbus and Magellan,

there are some facts about these guys the history books aren't tellin'!

Both of them are famous, but there is one thing that is true

neither of them accomplished, what they set out to do.

Columbus tried to reach the Indies by sailing toward the West,

and he thought he'd done it. He THOUGHT he passed the test.

But he was wrong. Boy! Was he wrong! He hadn't reached the Far East!

He had stumbled across the Americas. Not a bad deal, to say the least.

By the time Columbus died, people knew that he had failed.

They searched for a way around this New World, but to no avail.

Which brings us to Magellan, another famous man

whose glorious explorations didn't turn out quite as planned.

He too, sailed West, under the flag of Spain, and tried to get around

this huge New World that Columbus, mistakenly, had found.

Around the tip of South America, and into the great South Sea

that he renamed the Pacific Ocean (that name stuck, as you can see).

Onward they continued, Magellan and his crew.

For months they sailed with no supplies and very little food.

Finally they reached the Indies. They then continued back to Spain.

It took three years, but they sailed around the world, and made it home again.

It was the most amazing accomplishment the world had ever seen.

But, Magellan didn't do it! He died in the Phillipines!

Eighteen men sailed around the earth. Not Magellan, but his crew !

And no one even knows their names. I don't think that's fair. Do you?

Neither man found what he was looking for, but they still were a success.

Despite their many setbacks, they still strived to do their best.

So, begin your search for Morning Math. Explore Grammar Giggles, too.

But no matter how many mistakes you make, I won't name cities after you!