Lesson Script: Historical Navigation
Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will understand the historical methods of navigation used by explorers and how these methods have changed over time.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials Needed
- World map
- Whiteboard and markers
- Images of historical navigational tools (compass, astrolabe, sextant)
- Handouts with a timeline of navigation history
Introduction (5 minutes)
Begin by asking students what they think navigation means. Explain that navigation is how people find their way from one place to another.
Discussion Questions:
- How do we navigate today? (GPS, maps, apps)
- Have you ever had to find your way without a phone or GPS?
Historical Context of Navigation (10 minutes)
The Early Days of Navigation
- Land Navigation: Talk about how early humans used landmarks to find their way. Discuss how Native Canadians, including First Nations people, relied on the landscape, stars, and natural signs for navigation.
- Water Navigation: Discuss how ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Phoenicians used the stars and river currents to travel.
The Age of Exploration
- Introduce the Age of Exploration (15th to 17th centuries) when explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama sailed across oceans.
- Explain how they used the sun and stars to guide their journeys.
Navigational Tools
- Compass: Explain how the magnetic compass was used to determine direction.
- Astrolabe: Discuss how this tool helped sailors figure out their latitude using the stars.
- Sextant: Explain how this more advanced tool allowed for more precise navigation by measuring angles between the horizon and celestial objects.
Visual Aid:
Show images of the compass, astrolabe, and sextant. Discuss their significance in improving navigation.
Activity: Timeline of Navigation (10 minutes)
Instructions:
- Hand out the timeline worksheets to each student.
- Students will fill in key events in the history of navigation, from ancient methods to the invention of GPS.
- Encourage students to work in pairs to discuss each event.
Discussion:
- Allow a few pairs to share one interesting fact they found during the activity.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
Recap:
Review the key points discussed in the lesson:
- Early methods of navigation (landmarks, stars)
- The role of navigational tools in exploration
- How navigation has evolved over time
Closing Questions:
- What method of navigation do you think was the most important in history? Why?
- How might navigation change in the future?
Homework Assignment
Ask students to write a short paragraph about a famous explorer and how they used navigation to achieve their goals. Encourage them to use the internet or library for research.
End of Lesson
Thank students for their participation and remind them of the importance of navigation in our daily lives and history.