This question shifts the focus away from the actions of just one man and adds a colourful dimension to the topic.
Pupils have to consider the hazards and privations on such a voyage at the time so they get a real feel for Columbus bravery and skill as a captain keeping his crew from mutinying!
Learning objectives
- Pupils grasp the realities of this voyage that had never been attempted before, both the physical and the emotional
- They show awareness of period when posing historical questions
Step 1 – Releasing prior knowledge
Start by asking pupils to look closely at the images on the title slide which gives some ideas as to what a 15th sailing vessel was like.Slides 2 and 3 give even more detail of the size and proportions.But what would it have been like for the crew.Rather than tell pupils, ask them to think what some of the problems might be facing the sailors who were going on such a long voyage into uncharted territory on one of these boats.It is important to release any prior knowledge pupils might have as well as helping to ascertain what their starting points are.
Step 2 – extending knowledge
To quickly
