Freedom’s Frigate

GRADES 4-8 SOCIAL STUDIES AND ART

accelerator membership

Talk to students about all of the uses and parts of the sailboats. (Hull, Deck, Mast, Sail, Symbols, Name). Integrate further discussion using the sailboats in military capacity throughout history-especially U.S. history.

Lesson Process:

Step 1:  Thorough discussion (What are the major parts of a sailboat? What is the significance of the different parts? How does it hold meaning to the people or culture it represents?)

Step 2: Then have students break up into 6 groups of 5-8, for a collaboration/ brainstorming of their own designs for a sailboat, students do a Think-Pair-Share

Step 3:  Groups will select parts of the boat they wish to create. Then each group will choose their own design for their particular part of the boat. Once agreed upon construction begins.

Step 4:  Students begin working together with other groups to begin assembling all the parts to create one representing class boat.

Step 5:  Students will evaluate their own artwork by the use of self and peer critique. Then hold a class-led discussion about what was learned from this project.

Time Required:
30-45 minutes

Materials List:

  • DK Eyewitness Books: American Revolution by Stuart Murray
  • DK Eyewitness: Boat by Eric Kentley
  • Sketch Paper
  • Various colors of construction paper
  • Pencil
  • Sharpies
  • Crayola Twistables
  • Color Pencil
  • Glue
  • Tape
  • Staples
  • Markers
  • Water color paint
  • iPad
  • DoInk green screen app

Assessment:

Students feel that their class boat describes them as a whole as well as an individually. Students are able to explain why they feel their boat was successful and how it could be improved upon.