Stage 2 - History - First Contacts

Stage 2 history

Location

Kamay Botany Bay EEC

Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell

Overview

Explore the original landing site where James Cook landed in 1770 at Kurnell. Students will consider the traditional use of the land by the Aboriginal people and the meeting of two cultures in 1770. Visit the new sculptures and monuments located within the National Park. The activities will aim to stimulate students’ interest in and enjoyment of exploring the area, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

Outcomes

• HT2-3 describes people, events and actions related to world exploration and its effects
• HT2-4 describes and explains effects of British colonisation in Australia
• HT2-5 applies skills of historical inquiry and communication

Key Inquiry Questions

• Why did James Cook make the journey?
• What was life like for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at Kamay Botany Bay before the arrival of James Cook?
• Why did Europeans settle in Australia?
• What was the nature and consequence of the meeting of two cultures?

Students will

• Investigate the first contact between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Europeans at Botany Bay. 
• Participate in a role play to get students to understand the differences in two cultures.
• Learn about the daily life of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Europeans. 
• Explore the natural bushland, shore and monuments.
• Consider the significance of this site for Australia's history.

Learning across the curriculum content

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
• Sustainability
•  Literacy
•  Numeracy

View First Contacts excursion outline

Before the excursion

To get the most out of the excursion to Kamay Botany Bay National Park, teachers and students are encouraged to:

• View the film clip Cook's arrival at Kamay: a Dharawal perspective (7:30mins)
• Explore the First Contacts google site
• Talk with their students about the confrontation between James Cook and the local Aboriginal men in 1770
• Create a See Think Wonder after viewing a photograph of the HMB Endeavour or the replica

Google site First Contacts developed for students by EEC staff

Distance Learning module for Stage 2 First Contacts

Disclaimer: Students will participate in a role play to understand the first contact between James Cook and the local Aboriginal men in 1770. The role play contains some confrontational aspects and teachers may need to consider if any of their students would find this to be stressful. The re-enactment is based on primary sources in particular Joseph Banks’ journal.

Supplementary resources

Endeavour - Eight Days in Kamay

For a virtual tour of the Endeavour go to the Australian National Maritime Museum.