STARTER Imagine you were brought up with the idea of the world being flat. Imagine you were told the sea was full of monsters and dangers. Your captain is convinced the world is round and he can get to India by sailing west. You have now been sailing for 6 weeks with no sight of land. Describe how you feel.

COLUMBUS’ SHIPS LOG? LO: To demonstrate understanding of Columbus voyage and empathise with early explorers.

You have very little food left and you are running out of fresh drinking water. You have been stuck on board ship for 6 weeks in cramped conditions amongst storms. Suddenly Rodrigo the look out spots land ahead. How do the sailors on board your ship react? Remember these are very devout, religious men.

After 6 weeks at sea. You stumble on to land. What do you do? How do you feel? What do you see? How do you react? Are you scared? What are the people like?

MAIN Use the guide sheet to help you empathise with Columbus’ men and write the ships log (diary) detailing what happened. A guide to levels is given on the back of the sheet.

AMERIGO VESPUCCI STARTER GUESS WHO? This man was an Italian, born in Florence, Italy in 1454. He moved to Spain in 1491. From 1499 to 1503 he explored the central and South American ‘New World’ AMERIGO VESPUCCI Some people think America was named after him.

COLUMBUS’ SHIPS LOG? LO: To demonstrate understanding of Columbus voyage and empathise with early explorers.

MAIN Use the guide sheet to help you empathise with Columbus’ men and write the ships log (diary) detailing what happened. A guide to levels is given on the back of the sheet. Extension task: If you have finished your log book – Check your work through carefully. Collect a puzzle to complete.