KS1 History: Christopher Columbus
KS1 Christopher Columbus Workshop Overview
This exciting KS1 Christopher Columbus workshop explores the life and voyages of one of history’s most renowned explorers.
Students will dive into Columbus’s story, from his roots in Europe to his groundbreaking 1492 expedition across the Atlantic Ocean. Using LEGO bricks, they’ll engage in hands-on activities that bring this historical journey to life. Aligned with the KS1 history curriculum, this session enhances understanding of exploration, teamwork, and critical thinking while fostering curiosity about the past.
Workshop Learning Objectives
- Understand who Christopher Columbus was and his significance in history.
- Learn about the key events of his 1492 expedition, including the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
- Explore the reasons behind Columbus’s voyages, including the search for new trade routes.
- Recognise the challenges he faced and the impact of his discoveries on Europe and the Americas.
- Develop problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills through LEGO building activities.
Workshop Learning Outcomes
By the end of the KS1 Christopher Columbus workshop students will be able to :
- Identify Christopher Columbus as a historical figure and describe his legacy.
- Recall details of the 1492 expedition and the names of his ships.
- Explain the motivations for European exploration and Columbus’s role in it.
- Participate in hands-on storytelling and collaborative building activities.
- Create LEGO models of Columbus’s ship and a settlement, demonstrating historical understanding.

What to Expect From This Workshop
Historical Storytelling: Discover Columbus’s journey through engaging narratives.
Hands-On Building: Construct a LEGO model of a ship and design a settlement.
Interactive Learning: Explore the challenges of exploration and teamwork.
Curriculum Alignment: Reinforce KS1 history concepts through play and creativity.
Hands-On Activity Details
During the 75 minute workshop the students will
Activity 1:
Build a LEGO ship inspired by Columbus’s fleet, focusing on ship design and the challenges of long sea voyages.
Activity 2:
Collaboratively create a LEGO settlement for Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, incorporating natural and essential features of a functional community.

Why Students Will Enjoy This Workshop
Hands-on LEGO challenges engage visual and kinesthetic learners.
Storytelling sparks curiosity about exploration and history.
Opportunities for teamwork encourage collaboration and communication.
Access to thousands of LEGO bricks provides a creative outlet for every child.
Breakdown Of Duration
This KS1 History: Christopher Columbus workshop is a total of 75 minutes long.
- Introduction (5 mins): Welcome and overview of the workshop.
- Visual Presentation (10 mins): Introduction to Christopher Columbus.
- LEGO Activity 1 (25 mins): Build a ship for the voyage.
- Interactive Discussion (5 mins): Exploration and settlement challenges.
- LEGO Activity 2 (20 mins): Build a settlement for the Americas.
- Summary and Tidy-Up (10 mins): Reflection, photos, and clean-up.
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 History: Christopher Columbus‘ 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.