1. Assign students to research the history of ocean liners, including some that sank. Discuss the Titanic and other sinkings, looking for commonalities and differences.
2. Ask students what the differences are between the ships in the early 1900’s compared to the modern ships. Make a list for students.
3. Ask students to research and write a paper about the Titanic, Britannic, or other famous ship that sank during the 20th century. Have students discover why these ships sank. Also have students research the technology that was available during the early 1900’s that was used to aid ships in travel.
4. Students should also research modern technology on ocean liners: what has been developed since the early 20th century?
4. Then have a class discussion about why the ships sank and what technology was available. Then have students discuss modern technology and how it could have saved lives during the early 1900’s.
Websites:
- A nautical research group website – experts in global maritime shipwreck research:
- History of Ocean Liners
- The history and the location of the Titanic:
- The original distress call of Titanic:
- Artifacts from the Titanic:
- Titanic’s sister ship the Britannic:
Credits:
This lesson was developed by Marian Maxfield, Kent State University.