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Student Programs
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 a museum educator 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; Language Arts; Science and Technology.
Call or email Group Sales Department at 215.413.8630 or groupsales@phillyseaport.org today to reserve your program!
Check out our teacher resource packets before your visit!
SeaPerch Program
Independence Seaport Museum will serve as a testing facility for the 2013 SeaPerch Challenge teams. For more information, go to the SeaPerch Program page.
Education Programs 2011-2012
Recommended for Grades K-3
Little Skippers
Language Arts/Social Studies
Ahoy, mates! Experience the life of a sailor for a day while enjoying an interactive lesson about sea trade, ship cargo, and the sometimes dangerous adventures of a sailor's shipboard life. One student will even get to dress like a sailor!
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: 6.1, 6.3 SL 1.3
DE Standards: History 1; English Language Arts 3
Recommended for Grades 3-6
What Floats Your Boat? Literally.
Science/Social Studies/Math/Technology
How does a giant ship stay afloat? How does a submarine stay submerged? Learn about the physical principals involved in keeping a boat afloat through a series of fun hands-on activities.
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: 3.G.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.3, 8.2
DE Standards: 5.G.2; Science 1, 3; History 1; Technology TPA6
Real Pirates of Philadelphia
Language Arts/Social Studies
 Looking for a buried treasure? For a pirate, this was often not a chest of gold but sugar, tobacco, or other ship cargo. Learn about early maritime economics from the point of view of 17th and 18th century pirates and privateers. Discover the role of pirates in Philadelphia. Plus, one lucky student will get to dress up like a pirate!
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: SL.3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 8.1
DE Standards: Economics 2, 3, 4; History 1, 4; English Language Arts 3
Early Explorers
Language Arts/Social Studies/Geography
Life aboard an early explorer's ship was not easy. Find out how these hardy adventurers survived long voyages and a rough diet. Explore the concept of trade using explorers and their connection to Native Americans.
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: SL.3.3, 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
Language Arts/Social Studies
Did you know that prior to 1776 an estimated 190,000 Europeans immigrated to Philadelphia? In the 1820's alone 20,000 immigrants came to the City of Brotherly Love, almost 10% of the national total. Discover the process, trials, and tribulations facing different nationalities as they attempted to call Philadelphia home.
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: SL.3.3, 6.1, 6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3; English Language Arts 3
Early History of Philadelphia
Social Studies/Language Arts
From Penn's Treaty up to the Civil War, this lesson examines Philadelphia's birth  and the beginnings of the nation. Learn about crucial moments in Philadelphia history, including the Quakers, Native Americans, American Revolution, and Founding Fathers. Students will connect with their local history and learn how Philadelphia is more than cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
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: SL.3.3, 6.1, 8.2
DE Standards: Economics 2, 3, 4; History 1, 4; Geography 1; English Language Arts 3
Recommended for Grades 6-8
African American Mariners at Sea
Social Studies/Language Arts
African Americans' naval service stretches back to the beginnings of the nation. Learn how African American mariners have shaped our naval history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
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: SL.6.2, 6.1
DE Standards: History 1, 4; English Language Arts 3
Civil War on the Seas
Social Studies/Language Arts
What role did the Delaware River and other waterways play in the Civil War? Students will learn about the significance of Philadelphia's shipbuilding industry during the Civil War and about the earliest days of the US Navy's submarine technology.
US Standards: NS.5-8.5, NSS-USH.5-12.5, NL-ENG.K-12.9
PA Standards: 1.6, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3,
NJ Standards: 6.1, 6.3, SL.6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3, 4; English Language Arts 3
Ships and Fish: Working Together
Science/Technology
Thousands of sunken ships lay at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, creating new ecosystems for marine life. Learn why the US Navy sinks ships on purpose today to become artificial reefs. How does sinking a ship improve the life of thousands of marine species? To fish, the sunken ship is their treasure.
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
Simple Machines at Sea
Science/Math/Technology
How did early sailors move heavy objects like coal and supplies about the vessel? Simple machines helped the crew carry out such tasks daily. 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.
US Standards: NS.9-12.2, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.5, NSS-USH.5-12.7, NT.K-12.1
PA Standards: 2.1, 2.3, 3.4
NJ Standards: 5.4, 5.2, 8.2, 6RP.1, 6.SP.5
DE Standards: 6RP.1; Science 1, 3; Technology M3
Revolutionary War: Defense of the Delaware
Social Studies/Language Arts
What role did the waterways throughout the Philadelphia region play in the Revolutionary War? Students will learn about some of the key battles that took place in the Philadelphia region, including a few on its waterways.
US Standards: NSS-USH.5-12.3, NL-ENG.K-12.9
PA Standards: 1.6, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4
NJ Standards: 6.1, 6.2, SL.6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3, 4; English Language Arts 3
Recommended for Grades 9-12
Submarine Science
Science/Math/Technology
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.
US Standards: NS.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, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 8.2, N-Q.1
DE Standards: 9-12N.Q.1; Science 1, 3; Technology M5
WWI: The Forgotten War
Social Studies/Language Arts
Explore the causes and effects of the "Great War" and how it reshaped the world we live in today. Learn about the use of propaganda and how advancements in technology paved the way for modern-day warfare. This lesson also connects the conflict with previous wars and how it laid the groundwork for WWII.
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: SL.9-10.1, 6.1, 6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3; English Language Arts 3
WWII- Submarines and Naval Warfare
Social Studies/Language Arts
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.
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: SL.9-10.1, 6.1, 6.2
DE Standards: History 1, 4; Geography 1, 3; English Language Arts 3
You May Fire When Ready, Gridley
Science/Math/Technology
Students will examine how the USS Olympia used a quadratic equation to aim its 5-inch guns. Capable of firing a 55 pound projectile up to 5 miles toward its intended target--an amazing feat for a ship built long before GPS, digital computers, or radar! Students will learn how parabolas are useful for more than just firing, such as baseball or football.
US Standards: NS.9-12.2, NT.K-12.1, NM-PROB.PK-12.1
PA Standards: 2.3, 2.8, 2.9 2.10, 3.2
NJ Standards: A-APR.1, A-REI.4, A-REI.12, F-TF.1, F-TF.8, 5.3, 6.2, 8.2
DE Standards: 9-12A-APR.1, 9-12A.REI.4a, 9-12.A.REI.12, 9-12.F.TF.1, 9-12.F.TF.8, Science 1, 3; Technology M1, M5
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