Maritime Archaeology in the Classroom

By Tara Chilcott

January 5, 2026

What ever happened to the flagship of the First Fleet? How did we discover the fate of French explorer and navigator, La Perouse? All these questions and more were answered during CA’s recent visit to St Anthony’s Primary School.

CA Maritime Archaeologist, Tara Chilcott delivering a classroom presentation on the evidence of the Age of Exploration in the archaeological record.

The maritime archaeology session coincided with Year Four’s unit on the Age of Exploration and the First Fleet, and students had plenty of thought-provoking questions. CA’s presentation provided insight into the many methods used by maritime archaeologists to research, find and record underwater cultural heritage sites, and the unique complexities presented by submerged environments.

Classroom visits are a great way to demonstrate to students how modern-day research and technology is helping us learn more about history than ever before.