All About Explorers: KS2 history and geography unit, 19 pages, 6 lessons, no prep.

Why did people set out across unknown seas, and how did they find their way? This 19-page booklet for Year 4-5 meets the Vikings, Marco Polo, Zheng He, Ibn Battuta and Columbus, with a world map, a compass to build, a board game and creative writing.

What’s inside (19 A4 pages):

• What is an explorer? Class talk
• World map activity: label the continents
• Why did they travel? Reading and activity
• How did they find their way? Reading, activity and make your own compass
• Five explorers, one page each: the Vikings, Marco Polo, Zheng He, Ibn Battuta and Christopher Columbus
• Who did they meet? Island hop role play
• Pack for the journey: choose your supplies
• Across the Sea board game: rules, game board, event cards and food-and-water cards
• Travel journal: circle writing in groups
• Explorers word search

How long: 6 lessons.

Good to know: Teacher notes built in, print and go. The compass needs a sewing needle, a magnet, a cork and a bowl of water. The pages use American spelling. Written by a Danish primary teacher.

Suitable for KS2 history and geography: explorers, navigation and world map skills.