Students explore how to construct and interpret maps and globes and find information about people, places, regions, and environments.

Students identify and describe the importance of nautical profiles in early navigation. They draw a profile of a street or mall and explore the effectiveness of different types of directions.

Students explore how to describe the Gulf Stream, how Benjamin Franklin charted it, and correctly plot it on a map.

Young scholars use whale migration patterns to determine sex and age of whales and determine where these whales can be located during different seasons. They use mapping skills to plot the migration patterns of four unknown whales.

Students identify the different time zones by plotting the migration patterns of the leatherback sea turtles. They discover that traveling around the worlds includes passage through different time zones.

Learners discuss the history and purpose of cartouches. They examine examples of cartouches and design an original example with symbols of their choosing.

Students discuss the importance and function of nautical maps for sailors. They, in groups, take soundings of a simulated bay in a shoebox and develop a nautical chart that enable them to navigate the shoebox safely.

Students examine the theory of finding latitude and discuss the uses of an astrolabe, cross-staff and octant. They determine an Astronomical Table for their classroom.

Students identify and describe the difference between the magnetic north pole and true north. They consider why sailors could not steer a straight course to the New World from the Old.

Fourth graders explore the Port of Baltimore. In this European immigration to America lesson, 4th graders investigate the port as port of entry between 1830 and 1850. Students examine primary documents from selected Web sites and discuss...

Students locate the Trade Winds, Westerlies and Polar Easterlies on a map, explain the impact of the rotation of the Earth, and plot a route for a round trip voyage from New York to London.

Students gain knowledge of the maritime importance of Morse code and enjoy applying this information to decipher Morse code messages from other students.

Young scholars explore the history of clipper ships and about the historical time frame surrounding the origin of clipper ships. They read historical accounts of voyages and write letters describing the conditions of Mary Patten's voyage.