Origins/Development of the British Empire

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The Origins and Development of the British Empire

Following a study of the Silk Roads in Grade 6, and the European Voyages of Discovery in Grade 7 (not to mention the Aztecs and the Golden Age of Piracy), a study of the origins and development of the British Empire provides another opportunity to study history from an multi-national perspective over wide period of time. In this unit students choose one place, period, event, person or theme to research further and then present their findings to the class in a format of their choice using a "choose your own homework" project.

Unit Starter: "Horrible Histories" Video Clip

Origins of the British Empire - From United Kingdom to Global Empire

Students are presented with an essential overview of the growth of the formation of the United Kingdom in the form of a gap-fill exercise as their first step to investigating the origins and development of the British Empire.

Development of the British Empire - "Choose your own Homework"

Students are provided with detailed information about the growth of the British Empire in different places over different periods in time in the form of an information grid. They then have to choose one row, column, or cell of this table to research further. They then have to decide how best to present their findings in a "choose your own homework" format (read my blogpost here). Some examples are shown in the image below.

Development of the British Empire - "Choose your own Mark Scheme"

Because all students will present their findings in a different format, it is necessary for assessment purposes for a "choose your own mark scheme" format (read my blogpost here). Students nominate the three criteria from a provided list that they would like to be measured against. They then explain how they feel that their project reflects these qualities.

The Global Impact of the British Empire on Australia, Africa and China
Students watch three video clips of 8 minutes each to answer questions (What sorts of foreigners settled there, and why? / What positive effects did their arrival have upon the region? / What negative impact did they have upon the region?)

Head2Head Virtual Interview with Captain James Cook | Lesson Ideas
This interactive application allows students to interview historical characters directly! In this way, different groups of students can learn about different aspects of their life and career. There are plenty of lesson ideas to choose from.