Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the Titanic, including its construction, the events leading up to its sinking, and the impact it had on maritime safety regulations. The student will also be able to express their thoughts creatively through various activities.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencils for writing and drawing
• Colored markers or crayons for illustrations
• Access to a computer or tablet for research (if available)
• Optional: A timeline template printed out (can be created on paper as well)

Activities

• Research and Write a Report:

  The student will research key facts about the Titanic, including its design, the journey, and the aftermath of the sinking. They will compile this information into a short report, summarizing what they learned.

• Create a Titanic Timeline:

  Using the information gathered, the student will create a timeline of important events related to the Titanic, from its construction to its sinking and the rescue efforts that followed.

• Design a Titanic Postcard:

  The student will design a postcard as if they were a passenger on the Titanic. They can illustrate the ship and write a message to a friend about their experience aboard the luxurious liner.

• Role Play a Survivor Interview:

  The student will choose a character (real or fictional) who was on the Titanic and prepare to answer questions about their experience as if they were being interviewed. This encourages empathy and understanding of the human aspect of the tragedy.

Talking Points

• "The Titanic was one of the largest and most luxurious ships of its time. It was built to be unsinkable!"
• "On its maiden voyage, the Titanic hit an iceberg. This was a very big and scary event that changed history."
• "Many people were affected by the sinking. Some survived, while many others did not. Let's think about how they felt."
• "After the Titanic sank, new safety rules were created for ships to help prevent similar tragedies in the future."
• "What do you think could have been done differently to save more lives?"