This lesson focuses on Captain James Cook’s first voyage aboard the HMS Endeavour from 1768 to 1771, exploring the coasts of New Zealand and eastern Australia.
Activities include:
o Video Analysis: Students analyse video content to identify the places Cook visited and understand the perspective of indigenous Australian people about Cook’s arrival.

o Guided Reading: A detailed reading activity that includes mapping Cook’s journey, understanding his interactions with indigenous peoples, and analyzing the scientific contributions of the voyage.

o Group Discussion: Evaluating the long-term impacts of Cook’s discoveries on geographical knowledge and European colonial ambitions.

o Creative Writing: Students create postcards as if they were Captain Cook, describing his experiences and observations from various locations during the voyage.

This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Cook’s contributions to maritime exploration and their implications for European expansion into the Pacific.