Objective
By the end of this lesson, Finlay will learn about the Titanic, its journey, and its significance in history. He will engage in creative activities that help him express his understanding of the Titanic through art, storytelling, and simple math while exploring the science of icebergs.
Materials and Prep
- Paper and colored pencils or crayons
- Small objects (like toys or blocks) to represent passengers and cargo
- A bowl of water and ice cubes (to represent the iceberg)
- Storybook or a simple online article about the Titanic (if available)
- Timer or clock for math activities
Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the basic facts about the Titanic and prepare a simple story to share with Finlay.
Activities
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Titanic Drawing:
Finlay will draw a picture of the Titanic. Encourage him to include details like the smokestacks, lifeboats, and the ocean. This will help him visualize the ship and its grandeur.
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Iceberg Experiment:
Using a bowl of water and ice cubes, Finlay will place the ice cubes in the water to see how they float. Discuss how icebergs are dangerous for ships and why the Titanic sank.
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Passenger Count Math:
Using small objects, Finlay can represent the number of passengers on the Titanic. Ask him to count them and do simple addition or subtraction, like, “If 10 people get on and 3 get off, how many are left?”
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Story Time:
Read a story about the Titanic together. After reading, ask Finlay to retell the story in his own words, which helps with comprehension and storytelling skills.
Talking Points
- "What do you think the Titanic looked like? Can you describe it to me?"
- "Did you know that the Titanic was very big and could carry many people? How many do you think it could hold?"
- "Why do you think icebergs are dangerous for ships? Let's see what happens when we put ice in water!"
- "Can you count how many passengers we have with our toys? What if some got off? How many are left?"
- "What was your favorite part of the story we read? Why did you like it?"
- "How do you think the people felt when the Titanic sank? Let's think about their feelings together."