Course Outline: Great Your Own First Fleet Boat
Introduction
Welcome to the "Great Your Own First Fleet Boat" course! Over the next eight lessons, we will explore the fascinating history of the First Fleet and the boats that set sail from England to Australia in 1788. This course is designed for Year 4 students (ages 8-9), and our main goal is to learn about the journeys taken by these historic ships and to create our own representations of them.
As we navigate through history, we will develop skills in research, creativity, and teamwork. Each lesson will combine history with hands-on activities that encourage you to bring the past to life. Are you ready to set sail on this exciting adventure?
Course Goals
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand the significance of the First Fleet in Australian history.
- Identify the main ships that were part of the First Fleet and their purposes.
- Develop creativity and teamwork skills through the construction of model boats.
- Enhance research skills by exploring various resources about the First Fleet.
Course Aims
- To introduce students to the historical context of the First Fleet.
- To encourage curiosity about maritime history and exploration.
- To foster a sense of creativity through arts and crafts.
- To promote collaborative learning and communication skills among peers.
Lesson Plan
Lesson 1: Introduction to the First Fleet
- Objective: Understand the historical context of the First Fleet.
- Activities: Watch a short video on the First Fleet, followed by a discussion about why it was important. Students will complete a KWL chart (Know, Want to know, Learned) about what they know and want to learn.
Lesson 2: The Ships of the First Fleet
- Objective: Identify the main ships that made up the First Fleet.
- Activities: Create a ship chart with pictures and names of the ships. Discuss each ship's purpose in the Fleet. Students will learn about the Endeavour, Scarborough, and Alexander among others.
Lesson 3: Life on Board the Ships
- Objective: Explore what life was like for the passengers on the First Fleet.
- Activities: Read a story or diary entry from a passenger’s perspective. Students will write their own diary entry imagining they are traveling on one of the ships.
Lesson 4: Designing a Fleet Boat
- Objective: Begin brainstorming and designing a model boat.
- Activities: Sketch ideas for their own version of a First Fleet boat. Discuss what materials might be used and what features they would want in their design.
Lesson 5: Building Your Model Boat
- Objective: Construct a model boat based on the designs they created.
- Activities: In small groups, students will gather materials (recyclable items, craft supplies) and begin building their boats. They can work together or individually based on their designs.
Lesson 6: Preparing for the Launch
- Objective: Prepare for testing the boats on water.
- Activities: Test the boats for stability and design effectiveness in a small water container. Discuss adjustments or improvements.
Lesson 7: The Launch Day!
- Objective: Conduct a boat launch day event.
- Activities: In a designated area (like a schoolyard or water table), students will launch their boats. They will document the results of their boats (which stayed afloat, which sank, etc.).
Lesson 8: Reflecting on the Journey
- Objective: Reflect on the entire process, from learning to building.
- Activities: Share experiences about the project. Each student will complete a reflection sheet about what they learned, challenges faced, and what they enjoyed most.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing the "Great Your Own First Fleet Boat" course! You have learned about one of the most significant events in Australian history and created your own model boats. Remember, history is not just about the past; it's about understanding how it shaped the world we live in today. Keep exploring, keep asking questions, and keep creating!