Chinese innovation in seafaring
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why the Chinese were such good navigators.
Key learning points
- Zheng He and other Chinese sailors were able to navigate across large distances because of various things they used.
- The Chinese used strong ships called junks with many large sails.
- These ships had a rudder, which allowed the Chinese to steer them without oars, which was easier.
- The Chinese were the first seafarers to use a compass, which made navigation more simple and reliable.
Keywords
Junk - a Chinese ship with sails and a rudder was called a junk
Rudder - a rudder is a flat moveable piece of wood at the back of a boat that can help it change direction
Navigate - to navigate means to find a way from one place to another
Compass - a compass is a tool used for navigating that always points north
Common misconception
Chinese ships must have had engines.
Engines had not been invented yet. Chinese sailing ships relied on the wind and power of the sea to make long journeys.
Teacher tip
Try some model making. Pupils could work in pairs to make their own models of a Chinese junk ship using recyclable materials - make a junk from junk!
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which important tool did Chinese junks use to help them navigate across the ocean?
Q2.Which statement is true?
Q3.Where was Zheng He buried?
Q4.What special name was used to describe Zheng He's ships?
Q5.Zheng He's Chinese ships were very small.
Q6.Match up the pairs to create sentences about Zheng He.
from China.
across the Indian Ocean.
carved into steles.
from other countries.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which part of a junk helps the ship to change direction?
Q2.On a junk, what are sails for?
Q3.Which direction does a compass always point to?
Q4.Which tool was first used by Chinese explorers?
Q5.Which word means to find a way from one place to another?
Q6.Choose the things that would be on a Chinese junk.
To help you plan your 1 history lesson on: Chinese innovation in seafaring, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 history lesson on: Chinese innovation in seafaring, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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