Instructions
- Read through the background information for each day of the Charleston trip.
- Complete the mathematical calculations for the travel budget and logistics.
- Answer the historical and scientific questions based on Charleston's unique "Lowcountry" environment.
- Use your creativity to design a commemorative stamp for the final activity.
- If you finish early, try the Bonus Explorer Challenge at the end!
Section 1: The Travel Budget
Charleston is famous for its food and history, but visiting costs money! Use the table below to plan the expenses for one person for the 5-day trip.
Note: Round your answers to the nearest whole dollar.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost | Quantity | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Museum Ticket | $15.00 | 2 | $30.00 |
| Hotel Room (Per Night) | $120.00 | 4 | |
| Daily Meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) | $45.00 | 5 | |
| Carriage Tour Ticket | $35.00 | 1 | |
| Fort Sumter Ferry | $30.00 | 1 | |
| Souvenirs & Snacks | $12.00 | 5 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | -- | -- | $ |
Section 2: Historical Timeline
Charleston was founded in 1670. Below are four major events in the city's history. Number them from 1 (Oldest) to 4 (Most Recent).
- [ ] The Civil War Begins: The first shots are fired at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor (1861).
- [ ] Charles Town Settlement: English settlers establish the city on the banks of the Ashley River (1670).
- [ ] The Great Earthquake: A massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake shakes the city (1886).
- [ ] The Revolutionary War: The British occupy Charleston for over two years (1780).
Section 3: The "Battery" Geography
Charleston is a peninsula city surrounded by the Cooper River and the Ashley River. The tip of the peninsula is called "The Battery."
1. If you are standing at the Battery looking South toward the ocean, and the Cooper River is on your left, which direction is the Cooper River? (Circle one): North / East / South / West
2. Charleston is often called the "Holy City." Based on your research or the clue below, why do you think it has this nickname? Clue: Look at a photo of the Charleston skyline. What architectural feature do you see more than anything else?
Line 1: __
Line 2: __
Section 4: Lowcountry Nature Study
Charleston is part of the "Lowcountry," a region of salt marshes and coastal islands. Match the animal to its adaptation that helps it survive in the marsh.
| Animal | Adaptation (Write the Letter) |
|---|---|
| 1. Bottlenose Dolphin | A. Long, thin legs for wading in shallow water without getting stuck. |
| 2. Great Egret | B. A hard shell to protect against predators and sharp oyster reefs. |
| 3. Blue Crab | C. "Strand feeding" by pushing fish onto the muddy banks to eat. |
| 4. Loggerhead Sea Turtle | D. Powerful flippers to migrate thousands of miles through the ocean. |
Section 5: The 5-Day Itinerary Reflection
You have 5 days to explore. If you could only pick one of these three activities, which would you choose and why? Options: A ghost tour of a dark dungeon, a boat ride to a sea island to find seashells, or a tour of a giant aircraft carrier (The USS Yorktown).
I would choose: ____
Because: _____
Bonus Explorer Challenge
The Pineapple Mystery: Pineapples are carved into gates and doorways all over Charleston. In the 1700s, if a sea captain put a real pineapple on his porch railing, what was he telling his neighbors?
Hint: It has to do with being "welcome."
Answer: _____
Answer Key
Section 1: Budget
- Hotel: $480
- Meals: $225
- Carriage: $35
- Ferry: $30
- Souvenirs: $60
- Grand Total: $830
Section 2: Timeline
- Charles Town Settlement (1670)
- Revolutionary War (1780)
- Civil War Begins (1861)
- Great Earthquake (1886)
Section 3: Geography
- East
- It is called the "Holy City" because of the many church steeples that dot the low skyline (traditionally, no building was allowed to be taller than the steeples).
Section 4: Nature Study
- C
- A
- B
- D
Bonus Challenge: It was a sign of hospitality. It meant the captain had returned safely from his travels and was inviting friends over to visit and hear stories.