Causes of the development of the British Empire

A lesson on the development of thee British Empire. A blank copy of a world map is attached for a labelling exercise of the colonies of the Empire.

Students complete card sorting activity on the reasons for the development of the empire. They can be challenged to come up with their own categories, or those on the table in the PowerPoint can be used. It can be done as a diamond 9 activity for more able students. There is a differentiated copy for lower-ability students. Students can decide on the key reason(s) and give their own explanation.
It could also be one as a venn diagram using the venn diagram template,

Finish by explaining the main trading routes, and have students draw these on their blank map.