titanic / Lesson Plan

Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of the Titanic, including its construction, its tragic sinking, and its historical significance. They will also engage in creative activities that enhance their learning experience and encourage critical thinking about the events surrounding the Titanic.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and colored pencils or markers
• A notebook for writing reflections
• Access to a computer or tablet (optional for research)
• Printed images of the Titanic (optional)
• Basic knowledge of the Titanic's history (the teacher should be familiar with key dates and facts)

Activities

1. Titanic Timeline Creation

   The student will create a timeline of key events related to the Titanic, from its construction to its sinking and the aftermath. This will help them visualize the sequence of events and understand the context better.

2. Design Your Own Titanic

   Encourage the student to design their own version of the Titanic. They can draw the ship, label its features, and even write a short description of what makes their Titanic unique. This will encourage creativity and reinforce their understanding of the ship's design.

3. Survivor Story Role-Play

   The student will choose a real-life Titanic survivor or passenger and create a short role-play or monologue about their experience. This activity will help the student empathize with those who lived through the tragedy and understand the human aspect of the event.

4. Reflection Journal

   At the end of the lesson, the student will write a short reflection in their notebook about what they learned, how they felt about the Titanic's story, and what questions they still have. This will encourage critical thinking and personal connection to the material.

Talking Points

• "The Titanic was the largest ship in the world when it was built in 1912. Can you imagine how big that must have been?"
• "On April 15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank. Why do you think this event is so important in history?"
• "There were many different types of people on the Titanic, from rich passengers in first class to those in third class. How do you think their experiences differed?"
• "After the Titanic sank, many changes were made to ship safety regulations. Why do you think it's important to learn from disasters?"
• "What would you have done if you were on the Titanic? How do you think you would have felt during the sinking?"
• "The story of the Titanic has been told in many movies and books. What do you think makes this story so captivating?"