GED 2002 Teachers' Handbook of Lesson Plans

Activity Title - In Search of Ancient Mariners

Goal/Objective

Compare and contrast two points of view about a historical event.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

In recent years, many scholars have begun to doubt the fact that early people sailed far from the shoreline. New evidence is beginning to surface that perhaps those early accounts of sailing vessels may have been genuine.

Activity

Pass out the handout on the discovery of the ancient ship and discuss ancient travel and the use of ships. As a group, create a Venn diagram. Students will compare and contrast the two points of view on the travel routes.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

The student should realize that there is a necessity to become aware of historical events for their own personal life and for completing the GED.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

Extension Activity

Plot Phoenicians' route mentioned in the article.

ESE Accommodations

Real-Life Connection

Have students discuss their experiences on boats and ships. Did they feel comfortable being in a ship on the ocean for a long time?

Activity Title - In Search of Ancient Mariners

Introduction

Discussion should center on the fact that were no machines of any kind.

Ask: How did ancient travelers get around? Why were these the only ways to get around?

Say: From the article that you read you will plot the course.

Main Activity

Say: Looking at this article will tell us how ancient people got to places. Discuss the article. Discussion should center on the opposing views about ancient shipping routes.

Have students assist you in creating a Venn diagram.

Closure/Conclusion

Ask: Which of the two views do you favor and why?

Chart the students' answers in two columns on the board.

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Have students trace their routes on an outline map of the world if they were sailing Greece to England.