Leif Erikson
A Norse explorer and the first known European to travel to North America
Real World Example
Leif Erikson was a Norse explorer believed to be the first European to set foot in North America, around the year 1000, long before Columbus. He and his crew landed in a place they called Vinland, which is thought to be part of modern-day Canada. His journey was important because it showed that Europeans could reach and explore the Americas, even though it didn't lead to permanent settlements at the time. Today, his legacy inspires exploration and the idea of looking beyond known boundaries, encouraging people to be curious and adventurous. For example, students learning about space exploration might be inspired by Erikson's courage to venture into the unknown, motivating them to pursue careers in science and discovery.