Lesson Plan Title : The Mayflower Was This Big

Age Range: Kindergarten through grade 2 (Early Elementary)

Overview and Purpose: Measurement and size can be difficult concepts to visualize. This activity helps students gain a perspective on how big the Mayflower actually was.

Objective: The student will be able to describe how big the Mayflower was by comparing it to modern day objects.

Resources:

25 foot measuring tape

Orange cones

Large outdoor space

Chart paper

Markers

Activities:

Ask the students how big they think the Mayflower was. Have them give examples of objects that they think might compare to the size of the ship. Record their answers on a piece of chart paper.

Take the students outside and have them help you measure a 90 foot by 24 foot space. Use the cones to help mark the boundaries. Talk about what would fit in that space to help students have an idea of how big it is. (A tractor trailer is about 75 feet long including the cab and 10 feet wide.)

Come back inside and look at the students estimations again. Ask them if they would like to revise them.

Wrap Up:

For homework have students draw a picture of what they think it would be like to be on a ship that size for several weeks. Have the students share their pictures the next day.