Little Skippers Grades K-3
Ahoy, mates! Your students will experience being a sailor for a day while enjoying an interactive lesson about sea trade, ship cargos, and the sometimes dangerous adventures of a sailor’s shipboard life. One student will even get to dress like a sailor! (Language Arts/Social Studies)
What Floats Your Boat? Literally.
Grades 3-6
How does a giant ship like the Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia stay afloat? How does the World War II Submarine Becuna stay submerged? Learn about the physical principals involved in keeping a boat afloat – buoyancy, equilibrium, displacement, and density – through a series of fun hands-on activities. Tour these two ships and the Seaport’s boat-building shop to see firsthand how ships are made to float.
(Science/Social Studies/Math/Technology)
Real Pirates of Philadelphia
Grades 3-6
Looking for a buried treasure? For a pirate, this was often not a chest of gold but sugar, tobacco, or other ship cargos. Discover the role of early maritime economics from the point of view of 17th and 18th century pirates and privateers. Philadelphia was once considered a pirate depot and pirates actually played a large role in the American Revolution. Plus, one lucky student will get to dress up like a pirate! (Language Arts/Social Studies)
Early Explorers
Grades 3-6
Life aboard an early explorer’s ship was not easy. Find out how these hardy adventurers survived long voyage, including their diet, sleeping quarters, and the ancient navigation tools they used to find their way across the ocean to the new world. Early explorers were also early traders – learn about the concept of trade using explorers and their connection to Native Americans. (Language Arts/Social Studies/Geography)
Immigration-Philadelphia's Port of Freedom!
Grades 3-6
Did you know that prior to 1776, an estimated 70,000 Germans and 120,000 Scotch-Irish immigrated to Philadelphia? In the 1820’s alone 20,000 immigrants came the City of Brotherly Love, almost 10% of the national total. Discover the trials and tribulations facing different nationalities as they attempted to call Philadelphia home. Learn about the process of becoming an American citizen and the tools to research your own ancestry! (Language Arts/Social Studies)
History of Philadelphia
Grades 3-6
From Penn’s Treaty to an industrialized city, this lesson examines the history of Philadelphia from its origins to the present day. Learn about three pivotal time periods in Philadelphia history, including the Quakers and Native Americans, American Revolution and Founding Fathers, and Industrialization and modern day. Students will connect with their local history and learn how Philadelphia is more than cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. (Social Studies/Language Arts)