Box 14 The Explorer

This box, with accompanying sea-chest, contains artefacts representing exploration of the world during Tudor Times. The sea-chest can be used as a mystery object game where pupils are encouraged to use their senses to discover what each object is, and can follow up their ideas using the resources provided. Also included is Francis Drake’s costume which may be worn by one child as part of a role play exercise – perhaps encouraging pupils to develop their enquiry and interpretation skills through interviewing sir Francis Drake.

Ideal for use with Key Stage 2, years 5 and 6

Key learning objectives

• History: To enable pupils to explore how Tudor explorers discovered the new world and how they did this, by handling costumes and replica artefacts and by taking part in group activities.

Links to unit 19 of the QCA schemes of work: What were the effects of Tudor Exploration?

• Speaking and Listening: To encourage pupils to work effectively as a member of a group, using speaking and listening skills.
• Literacy: To explore the effects of Tudor exploration using secondary sources.
• Citizenship: To encourage pupils to consider the differences between Tudor society and people in the New World through handling replica artefacts and studying contemporary images.

Links to unit 5 of the QCA scheme of work: Living in a Diverse World.

Box contents

• Francis Drake costume includes maroon doublet and hose, white shirt, Hat, ruff and a blue beaded cape (which is very delicate and is for display only).
• Artefacts include block and tackle, fools gold, Elizabethan coins, buttons, jewels, ebony carving, quill pen, spices and shells.
• Resources include pictures, labels for display, 2 videos cassettes and an audio cassette.