Age of Navigation Lesson Plans

Students discuss the concept of getting lost, and how engineers have created technologies in order to determine an exact position. In this position activity, students learn about navigation satellites, the global positioning system, and triangulation to determine the exact position of an object on Earth.

Students explore nautical charts used for navigation. In this marine navigation lesson plan, students determine distance and direction between features on nautical charts, they identify obstacles and they identify characteristics of common aid to navigation. Students answer 12 questions using a nautical chart. They transfer the angle of a line to another point using parallel rules and drafting triangles in order to determine direction using a compass rose.

Pupils investigate the use of sonar equipment that is used to scan the ocean floor. They examine how scientists gain information about the bathymetry of the sea floor which helps sailors navigate safely.

Students navigate the web to prepare for an imaginary trip and record expenses involved.  In this state culture and symbol lesson, students gather information to be used in a multimedia project.

Sudents examine the types of instruments that can be used for marine navigation and position-finding. They practice using an astrolabe to solve trigonometric problems.

Students investigate marine navigation. Students access nowCOAST on the Internet and explore marine navigation in modern society. Students obtain and explain the importance of accessing real-time oceanographic and meteorological data.

Students explore direction by reading sailing stories in class. In this navigation lesson, students identify the techniques used by sailors in order to travel safely and accurately. Students read stories about sailing in class and define a list of navigational related vocabulary terms.

Learners study the St. Roch sea voyage through text, images, and virtual tour. In this maritime history lesson, students take a virtual tour to study the sea voyage of St. Roch. Learners learn about the Arctic environment and the innovative design features that allowed the ship to survive the crushing ice through its voyage. Students study pictures and diagrams and then select one activity to complete relating to the lesson.

Students build their own compass following a given procedure. In this technology lesson, students explain how a compass is used in navigation. They trace the history of its development.

Young scholars calculate distance and determine direction between points on a nautical chart. They examine any obstacles on the chart as well. They discuss the characteristics of aid to navigation on the chart.