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Leif Erikson: The Viking Who Sailed to America

By: Pat Kinsella
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

Leif Erikson, a Viking explorer, sailed from Greenland and became the first known European to set foot in North America around the year 1000, nearly 500 years before Columbus.

The article "Leif Erikson: The Viking Who Sailed to America" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the Norse explorer’s journey across the Atlantic nearly 500 years before Columbus.

Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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A group of Vikings in a ship
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Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 950L-1100L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1100L-1400L
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