Research Topics on Alfred Russel Wallace and the Malay
Archipelago
Research Topics - Alfred Russel Wallace
- Alfred Russel Wallace left a large body of writings about
his life and work. Use these accounts to write a short summary
of Wallace's life.
- Wallace was a "self-taught scientist". What does
this mean? How did he manage to do this? What were the major influences
on his life?
- The 19th century was a period of great prosperity and relative
peace. It was also the time when the British Empire was at its
strongest. How might such conditions have encouraged explorers
like Alfred Wallace to risk their lives? How did ordinary people
come to learn about Wallace's exploits? Pretend you are a reporter
sent to meet Alfred Wallace shortly after his return from the
jungles of Brazil. Prepare a number of questions you might want
to ask him. Get a friend to provide the answers and publish your
"interview" in a class newspaper.
- Wallace was not the only prominent traveller/naturalist of
the mid-19th century. Find out about Charles Darwin and his intrepid
exploits aboard HMS Beagle. Darwin will have a major role
to play later on in Wallace's story.
Research Topics - The Malay Archipelago
- What is an archipelago? How does an archipelago develop? What
are the other archipelagos in the world? What problems might exist
in the running of an archipelago? How might communications be
difficult?
- In his book The Malay Archipelago Wallace recounted
many of the exciting things which happened to him on his voyage.
Pick one such occurrence and dramatise it with your classmates.
- Adopt one of the Moluccas and find out everything you can
about this island. Make a small display for your class notice
board.
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