
Inquiry Questions:
- What forms of transport were used in England in 1836?
- What types of transport were used around the world in 1836?
- How have forms of transport changed over time?
- How have changes in transport influenced the way people live?
Research Topics:
- What causes changes in transport to occur?
- Why do we use different forms of transport?
- What infrastructure is required to enable transport systems to operate, (eg. buildings, workers, roads, signage)?
- What might transport look like in the future?
Historical Skills:
Chronology, terms and concepts: |
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Historical questions and research: |
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Analysing and using sources: |
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Perceptions and interpretations: |
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Explanation and communication: |
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Activity Suggestions:
- Sailing ships have been used for hundreds of years and are still a form of transport used today. Explore the world of sailing, and identify how it has changed over the years. Through science experiments, invite students to make a model of a sailing vessel. Conduct tests to check buoyancy and efficiency.
- Explore the transport website to identify forms of transport from the past and into the future. Develop a PowerPoint slideshow to show the changes that have occurred in the past 175 years. You might look at a range of transport types or identify the changes that have occurred in one specific form.
- There were no motor vehicles in 1836, and it was not until 1885 that a German man, Karl Benz built the first motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine. At this time there were less than 1000 petrol driven cars in the world, but today there are more than 750 million vehicles. If this trend continues, it is estimated that there will be double the number of vehicles in the next 30 years. Work in a small group to identify the pros and cons of using and owning a motor vehicle / car. How do cars impact on the environment and what will be the effects of so many vehicles in the future? What is your stance on the use of so many vehicles? Develop a written piece that persuades others to take the same stance as you.
- The National Motor Museum has explored the Talbot, the first car to be driven from one end of Australia to the other. Explore the museum's website to learn about the history of vehicles in Australia.
- Did you know the first bicycle was made by Germany's Baron von Drais and was made out of wood. Examine the history of the bicycle. Hold a bike day at school. Some of your activities might include inviting students to bring in their bikes, learning how to change a tyre and fix a puncture and exploring bike safety.
- Look at a map of your local area. Identify the forms of transport that are currently available and mark these routes on your map (eg. cycle paths, train / bus routes, etc). Are these resources sufficient? Can you think of other forms of transport / infrastructure that could make your journeys more efficient?
- Organise a class excursion for the day. The purpose of your excursion is to travel on as many different forms of transport as possible in the one day. You might include a trip to the South Australian Maritime Museum, take a Port River cruise onboard the historic police launch, the Archie Badenoch and return to the museum to learn about the importance of ketches in the early years of South Australia.
What if?
Our ships were unable to make stop overs at ports such as Cape Town? How would this affect the journey to South Australia and could it have been completed without such stops?
What do you think?
Consider the following statements and form your own opinion:
- It is more adventurous to travel in a sailing ship than it is to travel in a motorised vessel.
- People were fitter and healthier in 1836 as they did not have access to the transport available today.
Stay Tuned:
A number of ships have now arrived in South Australia. Next week we will start to look at life in the new colony. We learn of Stephen’s plans for an ‘Agricultural Establishment’ to be set up at Yankallila. What does this mean and how does money and funding influence decisions and development in the early years of South Australia?
Comments or Questions: