In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex Lesson Plan

Island alternatives

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

To effectively research the possible destinations rejected by the men of the Essex and draw a conclusion about whether or not they were viable options using researched information

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7

Structure:

The captain (with the influence of his mates) ultimately sets course for the coast of South America—a long, open-sea journey, rather than risking visiting one of the closer unknown islands. This was for a variety of reasons, including fear of cannibalism, tribal warfare, and storms. The islands that Pollard and his men could have chosen as a...