Year 8 History Recreates Polynesian Canoes

Yesterday, Year 8 History built a 3D model of an outrigger canoe as part of their unit on Polynesian expansion across the Pacific.

The finished canoes were between 20cm and a metre long and were modelled on the ones that the Polynesians would have used to navigate the Pacific Ocean. The students had one hour to build the vessels out of cardboard and tape.

Throughout the course of the unit, students have been examining Polynesian culture and key features of Polynesian daily life throughout the ages.

“The students loved it,” exclaims History teacher Robina Ingham, “It was a great opportunity for them to take the knowledge that they have attained throughout the unit and put it into practice.”