4pp A4 worksheet - National Maritime Museum

Produced by the Education and
Interpretation Department,
National Maritime Museum
www.nmm.ac.uk/learning
Tel: 020 8312 8575
May be reproduced for educational purposes only

Key Stage 2 History
Tudor explorers
Teachers’ notes
and children’s activities

Aims
These sheets will support pupils and adult group leaders during their visit to the National
Maritime Museum. They contain essential background information, structured questions and
activities to encourage pupils to discuss, observe and explore in the galleries.
The investigation sheets focus on five key artefacts in the Museum, which relate to Tudor
exploration.
How to use the sheets
Each of the five Museum artefacts are supported by five double-sided sheets. One side is for
adults and one for pupils:
• Adult group leader sheet
- includes basic background information to read, and some quick questions to get pupils
investigating and thinking about each of the five artefacts.
These are designed to help adult leaders stand in front of each artefact with the background
information to ask questions and start a group discussion. Please take a moment to read
through.
• Museum investigation sheet
- includes different evidence recording activities for each artefact.
These are designed to focus children’s attention, observation and thinking skills. Children
will record key information which can be used back in school.
Adults should be given copies of the group leader notes for each object, plus copies of the pupil
investigation sheets for reference.
Pupils only need copies of the investigation sheets, together with a clip-board and pencil.
National Curriculum links (KS2)
History unit Britain and the wider world in Tudor times
Knowledge, skills and understanding: historical enquiry
QCA Unit 19: What were the effects of Tudor exploration?
There are many other artefacts in the Museum and extra time
should be allowed to discover these.
Please note
Some artefacts may be moved or loaned out by the Museum. Please check with the Bookings
Unit before your visit, or with the ‘schools welcomer’ on arrival at the Museum. They will assist
you with replacement materials should this be necessary.

Tudor explorers: main areas of the Museum to focus on
The five artefacts in this pack are spread out across the Museum, in the following areas:
‘Explorers’
(gallery 1 on the floor plan)
‘Oceans of Discovery’
(gallery 20 on the floor plan)
‘Tudor portrait room’
(The Queen’s House)
‘All hands’
(gallery 23 on the floor plan)
Contains models of early
ships of exploration. The
‘trade and treasures’ table
is a useful focus to discuss
motivations for exploration.
A chronological overview
of exploration from the
Polynesians to modern
underwater discoveries.
Includes key maps and
navigational instruments
from the Tudor period.
Includes important paintings
ofTudor kings and queens,
Francis Drake, Armada
battles, plus some artefacts
from the Mary Rose.
An interactive children’s
gallery, featuring the skills
and technologies of sailors
from the Vikings onwards,
including a section on Tudor
exploration.
Must be pre-booked.
Other resources to use to support your visit
Elizabeth and her explorers teachers’ resource pack
Sent free with a booked
visit. Contains information
on Elizabeth I and English
exploration, ships,
navigation and Francis
Drake’s voyage around the
world.
Includes ten primary source
cards which can be used to
extend these Museum
investigation sheets.
Free fact files,
www.nmm.ac.uk/learning
(click on ‘fact files’)
Examples include:
Ferdinand Magellan,
Christopher Columbus,
the Cabots, Francis Drake,
Henry VIII and his navy,
magnetic compasses.
‘Tudor explorers’
online interactive
www.nmm.ac.uk/tudors
Animated, on-line activities
including a child-friendly
‘find the evidence’ database
of Museum artefacts
relating to Tudor
exploration.