From the Primary School

Investigating the Concept of Exploration in Year 4                                               

This term Year 4 have “explored” the concept of exploration. We began by exploring different areas of the school that we hadn’t ever visited before, mapping out these new places and tracking our journey. We also looked at images of people in different scenarios and completed thinking routines such as See, Think, Wonder about significant people to establish whether we thought they were explorers or not. We carried out some interesting discussions as to whether people like Alice in Wonderland, a scientist or an adventure scout were explorers. 

Following our initial provocations, we spent time carrying out research into explorers who came from Europe to investigate “a Southern land”. The girls chose from a number of explorers and developed their research and note taking skills. They also had to consider sources of evidence and learnt about the need to question whether a piece of information is likely to be true or not. The girls were able to choose how they presented their information report in a book, a poster or a power point and developed their IT skills to produce a quality finished product.  

We came together as a grade to share our finished research projects in two ways. Firstly, we individually we played an “Eye Spy” inspired game, looking at everybody’s Information Reports, finding images and answers to various facts located in different student’s research. We then looked closely at one partner’s Information Report, completing some feedback prompts using the Tell, Ask, Give strategy. 

Following the presentation of our information reports, our lessons have returned to discussing some interesting conceptual ideas, such as “Do Explorers have to travel?  “Explorers push boundaries” and “Explorers find answers to questions”.  We also learnt about some incredible female explorers who are often unrepresented in the history books.  

As we come to the end of term, we are continuing to consider the impact of exploration as we investigate both the positives, benefits and negative consequences. This will lead onto our inquiry into the arrival of the First Fleet and ensuing impact on Australia’s First Nation peoples.  

Rebecca Woodcock and Shireen Blakeway
Year 4 Teachers