Great Southern Land

Introduction

In which country were you born? Where do you live? If someone asks you which country you come from, what do you say? Australia? 

But, hey??? Weren't the Aboriginal peoples already here? So how did Europeans find out about Australia in the first place? How all the other countries were discovered...

BY EXPLORERS!!!

This term, you will be studying about some of the explorers of the 1800s. Especially, you will be studying about the Englishman credited with discovering the East Coast of Australia...

Captain James Cook!

Task

It is 18th Century England. You are a reporter for a newspaper in London.

The newspaper editor has asked you to write a story for the paper about this sailor, James Cook. He has just returned from a long journey of exploration across the world.

All you know is that he was leading an expedition to find the Great Southern Continent. You don't know anything else about him or what he discovered when he got there. It will take some research!

To complete this task, you will need to:

  1. Research the life and journeys of Captain James Cook, using the websites given and any other appropriate resources, e.g. books, films, etc.
  2. Fill in the fact files to organise your thoughts about Cook's life experience, achievements and journeys.
  3. Produce a biography, which details Captain Cook's life and explains at least the first of his journeys, the one in which he sailed the East Coast of Australia.

Process

You need to write a story about the life experiences and journey(s) of Captain James Cook. To do that you will need to research various websites and other appropriate resources. Some of the websites are below for you.

These are some of the questions that will help you with your research:

  • Where and when was he born?
  • What sort of schooling did he have?
  • How did he become a sea captain?
  • Why was he sent on his journeys?
  • What was his first journey? Give three facts about the South American and African ports where he anchored.
  • What was his second journey? Third journey?
  • What were some of his interesting achievements?
  • How, where and when did he die?

Websites

http://www.facts-about.org.uk/famous-people-facts-starting-with-c/capta…

http://www.ducksters.com/biography/explorers/captain_james_cook.php

http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ja/James_Cook

http://southseas.nla.gov.au/index_maps.html

Evaluation

History

A

B

C

D

E

Conceptual

Understanding

(Out of 15)

 

 

I can explain multiple journey(s) of a world navigator, explorer or trader up to the late 18th century, their contacts with other societies and some impacts in deep detail.

I can explain clearly multiple journey(s) of a world navigator, explorer or trader up to the late 18th century, their contacts with other societies. May include impacts.

I can accurately explain one or more journey(s) of a world navigator, explorer or trader up to the late 18th century, their contacts with other societies.

I can explain one or more journey of a world navigator, explorer or trader up to the late 18th century, their contacts with other societies with some errors of detail.

I can give little or no information about a journey of a world navigator, explorer or trader up to the late 18th century.

Historical Inquiry Skills (Out of 10)

 

I have researched additional and accurate information independently and referenced my sources.

I have researched accurate information independently. I might have referenced my sources.

I needed a start to research appropriate information to perform this task. I may have referenced my sources.

I struggled to research appropriate information to perform this task.

I have totally relied on others to research appropriate information to perform this task.

Literacy Considerations

(Out of 5)

I was able to make my factual recount completely conform to the correct structure with no errors.

I was able to conform to the structure of a factual recount with few errors, including grammar or spelling.

I was able to conform to the structure of a factual recount with some errors, including grammar or spelling.

I was able to conform to the structure of a factual recount with lots of errors, including grammar or spelling.

I was unable to conform to the structure of a factual recount.

Geography

Conceptual 

Understanding

(Out of 10)

I have given 3 highly connected facts about each of the places where Cook anchored in South America and Africa.

 I have given 3 relevant facts about each of the places where Cook anchored in South America and Africa.

I have given at least 2 accurate facts about each of the places where Cook anchored in South America and Africa.

 I have given 1 accurate facts about each of the places where Cook anchored in South America and Africa.

 I have given no facts or they were inaccurate  about each of the places where Cook anchored in South America and Africa.

Mapping (Out of 10)

 

I compiled a map with:

-Multiple journeys

-Correct labelling of continents and zones

-Neat printing and shading.

-Compass rose

-Key

I compiled a map with:

-Multiple journeys

-Correct labelling of continents and zones

-Neat printing and shading.

-Compass rose

-Key.

I compiled a map with:

-Multiple journeys

-Correct labelling of continents and zones

-Neat printing and shading.

-Compass rose

-Key

I compiled a map with:

-Multiple journeys

-Correct labelling of continents and zones

-Neat printing and shading.

-Compass rose

-Key

My map was unfinished or completely inaccurate.

Conclusion

Your fact file is to be handed in Friday, March 3rd (Week 6). A draft of your text will be submitted on Friday, March 10th (Week 7). Your completed report will be due Friday, March 17th (Week 8).

Credits

Teacher Page

This Unit aligns with Australian Curriculum for H.A.S.S. at the Year 4 juncture:

The journey(s) of AT LEAST ONE world navigator, explorer or trader up to the late eighteenth century, including their contacts with other societies and any impacts (ACHASSK084). 

The main characteristics of the continents of Africa and South America and the location of their major countries in relation to Australia (ACHASSK087).

It addresses the Cross Curricular Priorities:

Critical and Creative Thinking

  • Identify and clarify information and ideas.
  • Organise and process information.

Numeracy

  • Understand and use numbers in context.
  • Interpret maps and diagrams.