Educational Programs for Students - Independence Seaport Museum

Student Programs
New for 2010!

Learn about the region’s rich maritime heritage at Independence Seaport Museum, located on the Delaware River just a short walk from the Liberty Bell. Wander through galleries highlighting immigration, underwater exploration, and sea commerce; examine nautical art, artifacts, and intricate ship models; watch craftsmen building wooden boats; and explore the mighty Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia, and the World War II Submarine Becuna – both National Historic Landmarks.

All programs are led by educators and include a classroom lesson, hands-on activity, Museum galleries exploration, and tours of the Olympia and the Becuna (unless otherwise noted).

The lessons meet various Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware curriculum standards for Ecology; Geography; History; Math; Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening; and Science and Technology.

Call or email Group Sales Department at 215.413.8630 or groupsales@phillyseaport.org today to reserve your program!

GENERAL SEAPORT LESSONS

Little Skippers
Grades K-3
Ahoy, mates! Your students will experience being a sailor for a day while enjoying an interactive lesson about sea trade, ship cargos, and the sometimes dangerous adventures of a sailor’s shipboard life. One student will even get to dress like a sailor!
(Language Arts/Social Studies)

US Standards: NSS-USH.K-4.2, NSS-EC.K-4.6
PA Standards: 1.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 8.1
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.3
DE Standards: History 1; English Language Arts 3

What Floats Your Boat? Literally.
Grades 3-6
How does a giant ship like the Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia stay afloat? How does the World War II Submarine Becuna stay submerged? Learn about the physical principals involved in keeping a boat afloat – buoyancy, equilibrium, displacement, and density – through a series of fun hands-on activities. Tour these two ships and the Seaport’s boat-building shop to see firsthand how ships are made to float.
(Science/Social Studies/Math/Technology)

US Standards: NSS-USH.5-12.7, NSS-USH.5-12.8, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.5, NS.9-12.2
PA Standards: 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 3.4, 8.1
NJ Standards: 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.3, 8.2
DE Standards: Math 1, 7, 8; Science 1, 3; History 1; Technology TPA6

Real Pirates of Philadelphia
Grades 3-6
Looking for a buried treasure? For a pirate, this was often not a chest of gold but sugar, tobacco, or other ship cargos. Discover the role of early maritime economics from the point of view of 17th and 18th century pirates and privateers. Philadelphia was once considered a pirate depot and pirates actually played a large role in the American Revolution. Plus, one lucky student will get to dress up like a pirate!
(Language Arts/Social Studies)

US Standards: NSS-USH.K-4.2, NSS-G.K-12.1, NSS-C.9-12.4, NSS-EC.K-4.6
PA Standards: 1.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.1, 8.1.3.B; 8.1.6.B; 8.2.3.D
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 8.1
DE Standards: Economics 2, 3, 4; History 1, 4; English Language Arts 3

Early Explorers
Grades 3-6
Life aboard an early explorer’s ship was not easy. Find out how these hardy adventurers survived long voyage, including their diet, sleeping quarters, and the ancient navigation tools they used to find their way across the ocean to the new world. Early explorers were also early traders – learn about the concept of trade using explorers and their connection to Native Americans.
(Language Arts/Social Studies/Geography)

US Standards: NSS-USH.K-4.4, NSS-USH.K-4.2, NSS-G.K-12.1, NL-ENG.K-12.9
PA Standards: 1.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 7.1, 7.3
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1, 6.2
DE Standards: Economics 2, 3, 4; History 1, 4; Geography 3; English Language Arts 3

Immigration-Philadelphia's Port of Freedom!
Grades 3-6
Did you know that prior to 1776, an estimated 70,000 Germans and 120,000 Scotch-Irish immigrated to Philadelphia? In the 1820’s alone 20,000 immigrants came the City of Brotherly Love, almost 10% of the national total. Discover the trials and tribulations facing different nationalities as they attempted to call Philadelphia home. Learn about the process of becoming an American citizen and the tools to research your own ancestry!
(Language Arts/Social Studies)

US Standards: NSS-USH.K-4.4, NSS-C.9-12.4, NL-ENG.K-12.9
PA Standards: 1.6, 7.1, 7.3, 8.1.3.B; 8.1.6.B; 8.2.3.D
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1, 6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3; English Language Arts 3

History of Philadelphia
Grades 3-6
From Penn’s Treaty to an industrialized city, this lesson examines the history of Philadelphia from its origins to the present day. Learn about three pivotal time periods in Philadelphia history, including the Quakers and Native Americans, American Revolution and Founding Fathers, and Industrialization and modern day. Students will connect with their local history and learn how Philadelphia is more than cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
(Social Studies/Language Arts)

US Standards: NSS-USH.K-4.2, NSS-USH.5-12.3, NSS-USH.5-12.6
PA Standards: 1.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5, 7.1, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1, 8.2
DE Standards: Economics 2, 3, 4; History 1, 4; Geography 1; English Language Arts 3

African-American Mariners at Sea
Grades 6-8
African Americans' naval service stretches back to the beginnings of the nation. Discover the important role of African-American mariners such as James Forten, Frederick Douglass, and Paul Cuffe. Learn how African-American mariners have shaped our naval history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
Social Studies/Language Arts

US Standards: NL-ENG.K-12.6, NSS-WH.5-12.8, NL-ENG.K-12.9
PA Standards: 1.6, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1
DE Standards: History 1, 4; English Language Arts 3

Simple Machines at Sea
Grades 6-8
How did early sailors move heavy things, such as coal and supplies, about the vessel? Simple machines helped the crew carry out such tasks on a daily basis. Learn the basics of knot tying and pulley systems, then delve into advanced examples in the Seaport’s boat-building workshop to gain first-hand experience of the importance of mechanical advantage.
(Science/Math/Technology)

US Standards: NS.9-12.2, NM-MEA.9-12.2, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.5, NSS-USH.5-12.7
PA Standards: 2.1, 2.3, 3.4
NJ Standards: 4.1, 4.5, 5.4, 5.2, 8.2
DE Standards: Math 1, 8; Science 1, 3; Technology M3

WWI -- The Forgotten War
Grades 6-8
Explore the causes and effects of the “Great War” and how it reshaped the world we live in today. Learn about the USS Olympia’s honorable mission to bring home the “unknown soldier” to America. This lesson also connects the conflict with previous wars and how it laid the groundwork for WWII.
(Social Studies/Language Arts)

US Standards: NSS-C.9-12.4, NSS-G.K-12.5, NSS-USH.5-12.7, NL-ENG.K-12.9
PA Standards: 1.6, 7.1, 8.1, 8.3, 8.4
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1, 6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3; English Language Arts 3

WWII -- Submarines and Naval Warfare
Grades 6-8
Explore the importance of submarines and naval warfare during WWII with a lesson and tour of Submarine Becuna. Discover the significance of German U-Boats and learn about one of the greatest naval battles in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Learn the history of WWII and its effects on the 20th century.
(Social Studies/Language Arts)

US Standards: NSS-C.9-12.4, NSS-G.K-12.5, NSS-USH.5-12.8
PA Standards: 1.6, 7.1, 8.1, 8.3, 8.4
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1, 6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3; English Language Arts 3

Ships and Fish -- Working Together
Grades 9-12
Thousands of sunken ships lay at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, creating new ecosystems for marine life. Learn how today the U.S. Navy actually sinks ships on purpose so they can become artificial reefs. How does casting ships to the ocean floor improve the life of thousands of marine species? The sunken ship itself is the fish’s treasure.
(Science/Technology)

US Standards: NS.5-8.3, NS.5-8.5, NSS-G.K-12.5, NT.K-12.1
PA Standards: 3.1, 4.1, 4.5, 7.4
NJ Standards: 5.1, 5.3, 8.2
DE Standards: Science 1, 3, 7, 8; Geography 2; Technology M1

The China Trade -- Economics, Past and Present
Grades 9-12
Money, money, money. Discover the basis of commerce and trade between the City of Philadelphia and the world by examining the China Trade. Objects such as opium, lumber, coal, and ice were traded for silk, porcelain, and tea. Learn how economics ruled the winds of trade from the “Silk Road” to present day. In addition, explore the Museum’s exhibit on Philadelphia and the China Trade.
(Language Arts/Social Studies)

US Standards: NSS-WH.5-12.6, NSS-USH.K-4.4, NSS-G.K-12.1, NSS-C.9-12.4, NSS-EC.K-4.6
PA Standards: 1.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 7.1, 7.3, 8.1, 8.4
NJ Standards: 3.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3
DE Standards: Economics 2, 3, 4; History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3; English Language Arts 3

Submarine Science
Grades 9-12
How does a submarine plunge from the water’s surface to the murky depths? How does this technology relate to human divers? Learn about ballast tanks and tour Submarine Becuna for an up-close look at the inner workings of these underwater vessels. Also, hear from a genuine submarine veteran about daily life aboard a sub.
(Science/Math/Technology)

US Standards: NS.9-12.2, NM-MEA.9-12.2, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.5, NSS-USH.5-12.7, NT.K-12.1
PA Standards: 1.6, 2.1, 2.7, 3.4
NJ Standards: 3.5, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 8.2
DE Standards: Math 1, 4, 7, 8; Science 1, 3; Technology M5

For more information about class content and academic standards please call 215-413-8649 or email mflynn@phillyseaport.org.

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