Early explorers and their boats

History

How Polynesian explorers travelled and navigated

Seafaring in the early Mediterranean world

The Vikings and their longboats

Viking navigation and expansion

The incredible voyages of Zheng He

Chinese innovation in seafaring

John Cabot's journeys across the Atlantic

Seafaring 550 years ago

Brunel's race to cross the Atlantic

Life aboard the SS Great Britain

From sail to steam power

In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop their chronological framework, studying a theme that introduced change and continuity across a long time span. In ‘Significant rulers from the past: what can their stories tell us?’ they continue to develop chronological understanding whilst being introduced to various substantive concepts that relate to ruling.

In ‘Traditional stories: what do they tell us about the distant past?’ pupils moved to the distant past in order to start building their chronological framework by hearing traditional historical stories. In ‘Significant explorers: how has seafaring changed over time?’ pupils develop this framework further by studying a theme that introduces change and continuity across a long time span.

This unit on explorers and seafaring gives students a clear sense of change over time, highlighting technological, economic, and cultural shifts. It covers the sea's role in trade and exploration and explores material culture, craftsmanship, and the influence of seafaring on language and art.

Significant explorers: How has seafaring changed over time?

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

True or false? Early explorers travelled by foot.

A person who plans long journeys with a map.

A person who goes searching for something.

A person who travels to new places and discovers new things.

Choose the best description of an explorer.

Why did early explorers decide to make boats from tree trunks?

Which adjective describes a tree trunk after it is made into a canoe?

Why did early explorers move around? Select all the correct answers.

Which mode of transport was used for travelling in the past?

Which type of transport do you think early explorers used?

Starter Quiz

Where do boats travel?