Take Your Students on a Journey…

Discover the life and times of British explorer Captain James Cook. Learn about Cook’s journey of exploration from England to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia (Terra Australis).

Through this activity, students will learn about the events that led to the establishment of the first British colony in Australia in 1788. 

This teaching presentation outlines a brief biography of Captain James Cook, and shows a timeline of his first journey aboard the HMS Endeavour as he navigated and explored the South Pacific region in the late 18th Century.

This resource provides a balanced view of both European and First Nations perspectives, evidenced through historical records. It investigates the impacts of Cook’s false declaration of ‘terra nullius’, and the subsequent decision by the British to claim the land as their own, to establish a penal colony and base in the southern hemisphere.

Australia’s First Peoples have defended their lands and waters, and asserted their rights to their homelands since the beginning of colonisation. Land justice is hard fought for and must be vigilantly guarded. –Reconciliation Australia

Included in this Captain Cook Slide Deck: 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Australian history lessons. 

Included in the download:

• Captain Cook’s biography
• Timeline of events from 1768 to 1771
• 3x Check-for-Understanding activities

Looking for More Resources on Captain Cook?

[resource:332067] [resource:4650888] [resource: 332121]

Further Reading to Support Your Lessons:

National Museum Australia – Cook’s Journal

National Museum Australia – Cook, his mission and Indigenous Australia: a perspective on consequence.

National Museum Australia – The Message: The Story from the Shore