Diving Into the Deep: Famous Sunken Ships

In this class, we will dive into the deep ocean and learn about some of the most famous sunken ships, including the RMS Titanic and the USS Arizona. We will also look at some of the lesser known ones, including the USS Peterson DD-969, a United States Navy destroyer discovered by accident. We will watch clips of the footage from salvage experts, read articles/stories about shipwrecks and discuss some of the myths and facts surrounding the wrecks. 

Students will also be given instructions on how make an egg carton boat and decorate it and share it with the class in the forum.

We will also take a virtual “ scavenger hunt” to become ship wreck sleuths. Students will earn a 'certificate' each time they complete a challenge and share it with the class!

Students will be given a discussion question in the classroom forum weekly and will create their own thread for classmates to respond. 

The teacher will send a weekly message to all students with extension and exploration activities. 

Students will share their own ships and stories within the classroom forum and then critique each other’s stories to promote interactions among students. Critique will involve asking guided questions such as "what is the name of the ship", "where can it be found", "what is it known for" and "how did it get to where it is". A sample will be provided to assist students in generating questions to ask each other. Legends and fun facts will be shared as well! 

Students will read dramatically and upload audio/video recordings to the classroom. Costumes and props are welcomed! (The teacher does occasionally do these readings in costume or with props to make it fun!) 

Since this is an introductory class, no prior knowledge is required for success in this class. 

Students will be assigned 1 out of class reading assignment per week in regards to reading comprehension and text analysis of the various ships, including survivor stories and legends.

Learner progress is evaluated by participation and completion of assignments. 

A knowledge of how to use the internet to search for information is helpful. 

Students will complete work out of class, which includes optional, enrichment activities that they may complete on their own.