Exploring History and Engineering Aboard the USS Midway: A Deep Dive into Aircraft Carrier Legacy / Activity Analysis

Core Skills Analysis

History

• Learned specific facts about the USS Midway, including its role as an aircraft carrier and its historical significance in the US Navy.
• Understood the timeline and key events associated with the USS Midway, such as its active years and major missions.
• Gained insight into the technology and engineering of mid-20th century naval vessels.
• Recognized the cultural and military importance of aircraft carriers in American history and defense strategies.

STEM - Engineering and Technology

• Explored the fundamentals of naval engineering through the design and structure of the USS Midway.
• Learned about aircraft launch and recovery systems unique to aircraft carriers.
• Identified different types of aircraft and their functions on the carrier.
• Understood naval communication and navigation technologies used aboard ships like the USS Midway.

Tips

To deepen understanding of the USS Midway and naval history, consider engaging in hands-on projects such as building a model of an aircraft carrier to explore its structure and function. Visiting a naval museum or virtual museum tour can provide immersive historical context. Incorporate multimedia resources like documentaries or interviews with veterans to humanize the experience and discuss the broader geopolitical role of aircraft carriers. Additionally, activities like mapping the routes and missions of the USS Midway can reinforce geography and strategic thinking skills.

Book Recommendations

• The Aircraft Carrier: A History of Carrier Aviation and Its Influence on World Events by Norman Polmar: A comprehensive history of aircraft carriers focused on their development, technology, and strategic importance.
• Warplanes of World War II by Bill Gunston: Provides detailed information on fighter and bomber aircraft, including those commonly deployed on carriers like the USS Midway.
• Carrier Kid by Lisa Luedeke: A fictional story giving a personal perspective on life aboard an aircraft carrier, making naval history relatable to young readers.

Learning Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3: Analyze how a text presents information about a topic.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine topics clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1: Understand and find area and perimeter, applicable in scale modeling of the ship.
• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) MS-ETS1-1: Define problems that can be solved through engineering design, relevant to exploring the ship’s design and function.

Try This Next

• Create a detailed ship layout diagram labeling key parts of the USS Midway with descriptions.
• Write a diary entry imagining a day in the life of a sailor stationed on the USS Midway during its active years.

Growth Beyond Academics

This activity likely fostered a sense of curiosity and respect for military history and technology. It may have also encouraged perseverance and attention to detail, especially when grappling with complex ship structures and historical timelines. Exploring such a monumental vessel can boost confidence in understanding large-scale historical and engineering concepts.