Pirates / Lesson Plan

Create Your Own Custom Lesson Plan
PDF

Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of pirates from a humanities and social science perspective, including their historical context, societal impact, and cultural significance.

Materials and Prep

  • Internet access
  • Notebook or paper for taking notes
  • Pencil or pen

No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.

Activities

  1. Research and Create a Pirate Profile

    2. Encourage the student to research a famous pirate of their choice. They can gather information on the pirate's background, notable achievements, and impact on history. Then, have them create a pirate profile using their findings, including a brief biography and an illustration or image of the pirate.

  2. Map Out Pirate Routes

    3. Provide the student with a blank world map and have them mark the major pirate routes during the Golden Age of Piracy (late 17th to early 18th century). They can research and identify key locations such as the Caribbean, the coast of Africa, and the Indian Ocean. This activity will help them understand the geographical context of piracy.

  3. Write a Pirate's Code of Conduct

    4. Discuss the concept of a pirate's code of conduct and its importance in pirate communities. Ask the student to create their own pirate's code, outlining rules and guidelines that pirates might have followed during that time. They can consider factors such as discipline, division of plunder, and treatment of prisoners.

  4. Explore Pirate Legends and Mythology

    5. Encourage the student to delve into the legends and mythology surrounding pirates. They can research famous pirate myths, such as buried treasure or ghost ships, and write a short story or draw an illustration based on one of these legends.

Talking Points

  • Pirate History: "Pirates were a diverse group of individuals who engaged in maritime activities, often involving theft and violence. They existed during the Golden Age of Piracy, which was roughly from the late 17th to the early 18th century."

  • Pirate Lifestyle: "Pirates lived a dangerous and adventurous life at sea. They faced various challenges such as battles, navigation, and finding targets for plunder. They had their own unique social structure and governance within pirate communities."

  • Pirate Code: "Pirates often followed a code of conduct to maintain order and discipline within their crews. These codes helped establish rules for sharing loot, resolving disputes, and handling prisoners."

  • Impact of Pirates: "Pirates had a significant impact on maritime trade and colonial powers during their time. Their activities disrupted trade routes and challenged the dominance of empires. Pirates also influenced popular culture, leaving a lasting legacy in books, movies, and folklore."