Teachers notes: William Bligh’s notebook
Earth and Beyond
A student:
- locates and describes features of our universe, e.g. stars, planets, comets, meteors, galaxies and constellations.
Life and Living
A student:
- explains the major systems of living things and the ways that they function, e.g. describes the way blood flows in animals and water moves in plants.
Natural and Processed Material
A student:
- identifies the factors that influence the choice of certain materials for particular purposes, e.g. explores the special qualities of plastics and discusses why they have so many uses.
- recognises and describes conditions that influence reactions and changes in materials, e.g. what causes rusting, discolouration of cut fruits, and the rising of bread dough.
Breadfruit was a staple food in many tropical regions.
Discussion
- Describe the many uses breadfruit has.
- Describe the origin and distribution of breadfruit.
- What climate and soil does it need?
- How it is propagated?
- What are its medicinal uses?
- What does breadfruit taste like?
- How can it be prepared?
- In what parts of the world is it found?
Extension
- The Polynesians were also skilled navigators. How did they navigate the open sea? What do sailors use today to navigate?
- Bligh was a skilled navigator. What did he use to locate his position and to chart the Fiji islands during the day and at night?
- Watch one of the many films of the Mutiny on the Bounty. List all the scientific innovations available today that could have assisted Bligh in his plight.

