KS1 Christopher Columbus Activities

Explore the Age of Discovery with Christopher Columbus

Take Key Stage 1 children on an exciting voyage through history with five hands-on activities that bring Christopher Columbus's 1492 expedition to life. This cross-curricular resource pack combines history, geography, design & technology, and art to develop understanding of exploration, navigation, and life in the past—perfectly aligned to the National Curriculum.

What's Included:

• Christopher Columbus Timeline – Sequence key events from Columbus's life and voyages to develop chronological understanding
• Design And Build A Boat – Hands-on D&T project to explore ship design, materials, and what makes vessels seaworthy
• Star Navigation – Discover how explorers used the stars to navigate across oceans before modern technology
• Christopher Columbus Voyages Map – Trace the routes across the Atlantic and develop map-reading and geographical skills
• Pack Your Bag 1492 – Critical thinking activity exploring what sailors needed for long ocean voyages

Learning Outcomes:

Children will understand the significance of Christopher Columbus's voyages, develop chronological awareness, and explore how people travelled and navigated in the past. Activities build map skills, design thinking, and historical enquiry while meeting KS1 History objectives (significant historical events and people) with cross-curricular links to Geography, Design & Technology, and Art & Design.

Why Teachers Love This Resource:

Ready-to-teach activities bring history to life with engaging, hands-on tasks that capture children's imagination. Minimal preparation required, with clear instructions and differentiated activities for mixed-ability teaching. Perfect for introducing historical enquiry skills, developing understanding of exploration and discovery, and inspiring curiosity about the past.