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Who was Ernest Shackleton and where did he explore?

Topics Reception/Year 1
This unit is part of Famous for more than Five Minutes - NEW LOOK Ice Explorers

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Objectives

History

  • Know the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements.

Geography

  • Name and locate some of the world’s continents and oceans.

Science

  • Think scientifically, ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways.
  • Observe closely, using simple equipment and performing simple tests.
  • Use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions, and gather and record data to help in answering questions.

Lesson Planning

Find out about Ernest Shackleton, his background and his exploration of Antarctica.

Teaching Outcomes
 To learn about key facts about the life and person of Ernest Shackleton by interviewing an adult acting in role (hot seating) and placing 1914 on the timeline.
To understand key geographical details of the Shackleton expedition; To understand that Antarctica is a land mass and not an iceberg.
To discuss the climate in Antarctica; To imagine being on Shackleton’s team as they prepared for life in the ice; To study ice-blocks and describe the changes as they melt.

Children will:

  • Understand something of the life and person of Shackleton.
  • Understand key geographical details of Antarctica, and that it is a land mass and not an iceberg.
  • Know key features of Antarctica’s climate and the properties of ice, by observing ice melting and discussing their observations.

Provided Resources

  • Hot seating: Ernest Shackleton
  • Preparing the classroom

You Will Need

  • Clothes and prompts for Shackleton visitor
  • Objects about Antarctica frozen in bowls of water
  • Ice Trap! Shackleton’s Incredible Expedition by Meredith Hooper

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