Year 1 Christopher Columbus Activities

Covers: Activity Resources Relation to National Curriculum Downloads
Activity One - Columbus Timeline

Activity 1

Christopher Columbus Timeline


  • Hi1/1.2 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally
  • Hi1/1.3 the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international
  • Ge1/1.4a use world maps, atlases and globes to identify…the countries, continents and oceans studied at this key stage
Activity Two - Design And Build A Boat

Activity 2

Design And Build A Boat


  • Ar1/1.1 to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products
  • Dt1/1.1a design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria
  • Dt1/1.1b generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology
  • Dt1/1.2a select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks
  • Dt1/1.2b select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics
  • Dt1/1.3b evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria
Activity Three - Star Navigation

Activity 3

Star Navigation


  • Ge1/1.4b use simple compass directions (North, South, East, West)
  • Hi1/1.2 the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international
  • Hi1/1.3 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally
Activity Four - Columbus Voyages Map

Activity 4

Columbus Voyages Map


  • Ge1/1.1a use simple compass directions (North, South, East, West)
  • Ge1/1.4a use world maps, atlases and globes
  • Ge1/1.4b use simple compass directions to describe the location of features and routes on a map
  • Hi1/1.3 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally
Activity Five - Pack Your Bag 1492

Activity 5

Pack Your Bag 1492


  • Hi1/1.3 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally
Activity One - Columbus Timeline

Activity 1
Christopher Columbus Timeline

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Hi1/1.2 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally
  • Hi1/1.3 the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international
  • Ge1/1.4a use world maps, atlases and globes to identify…the countries, continents and oceans studied at this key stage

Downloads:

Activity Two - Design And Build A Boat

Activity 2
Design And Build A Boat

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Ar1/1.1 to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products
  • Dt1/1.1a design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria
  • Dt1/1.1b generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology
  • Dt1/1.2a select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks
  • Dt1/1.2b select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics
  • Dt1/1.3b evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria

Downloads:

Activity Three - Star Navigation

Activity 3
Star Navigation

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Ge1/1.4b use simple compass directions (North, South, East, West)
  • Hi1/1.2 the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international
  • Hi1/1.3 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally

Downloads:

Activity Four - Columbus Voyages Map

Activity 4
Columbus Voyages Map

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Ge1/1.1a use simple compass directions (North, South, East, West)
  • Ge1/1.4a use world maps, atlases and globes
  • Ge1/1.4b use simple compass directions to describe the location of features and routes on a map
  • Hi1/1.3 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally

Downloads:

Activity Five - Pack Your Bag 1492

Activity 5
Pack Your Bag 1492

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Hi1/1.3 events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally

Downloads:

How do I use these activities?

Christopher Columbus is a historical figure who has long been celebrated for his remarkable contribution to the discovery of America. His voyages and exploration of different have been mapped out, creating a timeline that highlights his journey. Additionally, Columbus's genius in using star navigation to guide his ships was a crucial factor in the success of his expeditions.

For educators looking to engage their students in learning about the history of exploration, a fun and interactive activity would be to have them design and build their own boats. This activity is not only a great way to learn about history, but it also covers several subjects of the National Curriculum, including Art, Design & Technology, History, and Geography.

If you're looking for more resources and activities to support children's learning, Hands-On Education is a fantastic website to check out. They offer an extensive range of materials that cover most points of the National Curriculum of England. By creating a free account on their website, you can access videos, activity sheets, and activity plans to support children in their learning journey.

Discover Hands-On Education

Home Menu Shop