In social studies we did something called a simulation(not stimulation, simulation). Its where you get into groups and make decisions. For example, we were sailors in the 1495 and had to decide if we wanted to take a offer from Portugal, or a offer from Spain. The offer form Spain was poor crew, poor ship, good maps, and good supplies. The offer from Portugal was good crew, good ship, poor maps, and poor supplies. My group chose Portugal. We also got to make up different names for ourselves and as a group decide the ship name. My name was Amadeus Pierce and I sailed on the good ship S.S Ricochet Rock. We also got to decide on our jobs on the ship, mine was the ship’s surgeon. Each person had different characteristics, like strength and medical expertise.
When we sailed we had to do supply and navigation checks the entire time. We had a a lot of challenges like waiting for wind and stopping mutiny from happening. We had to keep a log of the trip. At the end all the ships made it to land. Then my ship ran into a coral reef and sank, so we all had to swim to land. I unfortunately was eaten be sharks, as were three others on my ship. Only Karina made it to land. A few other ships sank to. Everyone had to keep a journal of what they did and stuff that happened. The simulation was so fun, I think other teachers should do with their kids to.
Peace Out To My Homies,
Sophia
This simulation seems incredibly interesting. From your first choice between the offers of Spain and Portugal, the onus is on your crew. Could you imagine the loneliness if Karina had really been the only survivor?
In Australian history, children learn about the voyages of Captain James Cook on the Endeavour. He was the first from England we know to have visited the east coast of Australia.
After arriving from a circumnavigation of New Zealand, he first sighted land at a place called Point Hicks in the now state of VIctoria. He sailed north, stopping at various places for supplies and some exploration, including Botany Bay in Sydney.
You simulation reminded me of his journey further north. Without any maps, he didn’t know the Great Barrier Reef started well out from the coast off the state of Queensland. As the ship sailed north, the reef was seen getting closer to shore. Trying to find his way through, his ship hit a reef on 10 June, 1770.
The crew unloaded about 48 tons of equipment, including cannon. He had to ground the ship so the crew could make repairs. Could you imagine how different history might have been if his ship had been lost with all crew? Australia may have ended up a Dutch or French colony.
I found your report on the simulation fascinating as what was simulated certainly was a part of early exploration.
Ross Mannell (teacher)
NSW, Australia