Geography KS2 & KS3: Expedition to Guyana - the Makushi tribespeople
Four hundred years ago, English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh went to Guyana in search of El Dorado.
He was one of the first Englishmen the Makushi tribespeople had ever seen.
Four centuries on, a team of children from the UK have come to follow in Raleigh's footsteps.
They are the Serious Explorers and, just like Raleigh, they are relying on local tribespeople for help.
Nowadays, the Makushi dress in modern clothes, but for many of them their way of life has changed very little since Raleigh's day.
They still live along Guyana's rivers and rely heavily on the local environment for both food and materials.
While a few have access to technology like mobile phones, most have no electricity or running water.
The Serious Explorers are invited to join in a traditional celebration led by the local shaman and to participate in a Makushi banquet.
This clip is from the series Seriously Raleigh.
Teacher Notes
Investigate the area of the Makushi tribe.
What vegetation is there?
How do they live sustainably?
What is the weather like?
How does their food compare with ours?
How do their lives compare with ours?
The children could then research how we could live more sustainably. They could do this by using renewable energy packs around school.
Where is the best place to put solar panels? A wind turbine?
Children can produce their own vegetables for school meals or to sell at the school fair.
Curriculum Notes
This clip is suitable for teaching Geography at KS2 and KS3 Level in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and at 2nd and 3rd Level in Scotland.
