KS1 Ernest Shackleton Workshop
KS1 Ernest Shackleton Workshop: Antarctic Adventures
Bring history to life with an exciting hands-on workshop exploring the incredible story of Ernest Shackleton and his daring Antarctic expedition aboard the Endurance. This engaging session introduces KS1 pupils to one of history’s most remarkable explorers, linking his achievements to the themes of exploration, resilience, and teamwork. Through storytelling and creative LEGO challenges, children will gain a deeper understanding of Shackleton’s journey and its lasting significance. This workshop supports the KS1 History curriculum by focusing on:
The life of a significant individual from the past who contributed to international achievements.
Understanding historical events and their impact on the present and future.
The session also links to KS1 Geography and Science topics, such as identifying continents and oceans (Antarctica) and exploring everyday materials and their uses in extreme environments.
Workshop Learning Objectives
- Understand the life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton as a significant historical figure.
- Recognise the themes of exploration, resilience, and teamwork through the story of Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition.
- Identify Antarctica on a map and describe its key geographical features.
- Develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on LEGO building challenges.
- Work collaboratively to construct models and share ideas.
- Reflect on how historical events and individuals influence the present and inspire future generations.
Workshop Learning Outcomes
By the end of the KS1 Ernest Shackleton Workshop students will be able to :
- Recount key events from Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition and explain its significance.
- Identify Antarctica on a map and describe its features, such as being a landmass covered by ice.
- Understand the importance of resilience and teamwork in overcoming challenges.
- Use creative and critical thinking to design and build LEGO models representing the Endurance ship and an Antarctic base camp.
- Collaborate effectively with peers to complete hands-on building challenges.
- Reflect on the impact of historical exploration and how it continues to inspire modern achievements.
What to Expect From This Workshop
Storytime: Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure
Begin with an engaging storytelling session about Shackleton’s life and his daring expedition aboard the Endurance. Students will learn about the challenges faced by Shackleton and his crew, including their ship becoming trapped in ice and their remarkable survival under Shackleton’s leadership.
LEGO Build Challenge 1: Build the Endurance
Students will work independently to build a LEGO model of Shackleton’s ship, exploring its structure and learning about the engineering required to withstand the harsh Antarctic conditions.
LEGO Build Challenge 2: Create an Antarctic Base Camp
Collaboratively, students will design and build an Antarctic base camp, considering essential features for survival, such as shelters, storage areas, and navigation tools, while addressing the challenges of the icy environment.
Reflection and Discussion
Conclude with a discussion on how Shackleton’s leadership and perseverance have inspired generations of explorers. Students can share their learning about teamwork and creativity during the session, linking Shackleton’s legacy to modern exploration.
Hands-On Activity Details
During the 75 minute workshop the students will
Activity 1: Build the Endurance
Students design a LEGO model of the Endurance ship, focusing on its durability and structure. This activity integrates problem-solving and an introduction to basic engineering concepts.
Activity 2: Create an Antarctic Base Camp
Students collaborate to construct a LEGO base camp, considering elements required for survival in Antarctica. This fosters teamwork and critical thinking while reinforcing geographical and scientific knowledge.
Why Students Will Enjoy This Workshop
Combines history, storytelling, and hands-on creativity for an immersive learning experience.
Encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and imagination, catering to diverse learning styles.
Inspires curiosity about exploration and resilience through interactive and fun challenges.
Breakdown Of Duration
This KS1 Ernest Shackleton workshop is a total of 75 minutes long.
- Introduction (5 minutes): Welcome and workshop overview.
- Storytime (10 minutes): Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic adventure.
- LEGO Build Challenge 1 (20 minutes): Build the Endurance ship.
- Interactive Discussion (5 minutes): Conditions in Antarctica and base camp essentials.
- LEGO Build Challenge 2 (25 minutes): Create an Antarctic base camp.
- Summary, Photos, and Tidy-Up (10 minutes): Recap key learning points and celebrate achievements.
Pricing Information
Our KS1 History school workshops provide exceptional educational value and hands-on experiences for students.
Pricing is tailored based on location, group size, and session length. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a personalised quote.
Enquire about this workshop today
Discover how the ‘KS1 Ernest Shackleton‘ workshop can bring history to life in your classroom. Contact Build to Learn today to enquire about availability and tailored options for your school!
With over a decade of experience as the founder of Brickies Club Limited, I have inspired thousands of children aged 4 to 16 to develop creativity and problem-solving skills through LEGO-based activities. Now leading Build to Learn Limited, I deliver hands-on workshops that align with curriculum goals in STEM, history, and more. My expertise extends beyond practical delivery, incorporating a deep understanding of diverse learning styles to create impactful, memorable sessions that foster teamwork, curiosity, and critical thinking.
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