History Lesson Plan For Under Drakes Flag – Part 2

Ned and Gerald are about to begin an adventure together as they set sea in 1572. Hold tight as we learn about their discoveries along the way.

Vocabulary

Aft, baselard dagger, boom, bow, cricket, constellations, hieroglyphics, jibbing, leeward, plunder, port, rudder, starboard, tacking, ton, and windward.

Bible Memorization

“And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.” Mark 6:47-48 (KJV)

“But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah 1:3 (KJV)

“And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” Matthew 4:21-22 (KJV)

Bible

• Search in a Bible concordance and see how many times boat or ship are used in scripture. Look up two of the verses and memorize them.
• What famous Old Testament story involves a ship, a prophet, and a big fish? Read the book of Jonah together as a family. What lessons can be learned from this story?

English

• Under Drake’s Flag is considered a coming-of-age story where the main character goes from youth to adulthood within the length of the tale. Create your own story. What events happen that cause your main hero or heroine to become an adult?
• Ned used words such as opprobrious, nefarious, and reprobate to describe Master Taunton. Look up these words in the dictionary and write down the definitions. Then come up with ten adjectives to search for in the dictionary. Record five synonyms for each word.

Science

• It was stated in the drama that the constellations were “hieroglyphs of light upon the sky.” Find a book about the stars and learn about the stories behind the constellation. Share your findings with a parent.
• One of the boys in the story was compared to an otter. Learn about this mammal. In what ways did God design them to be good swimmers?

Social Studies

• Research and learn about the Spanish Inquisition. Share your findings with a parent.
• When Ned joins Captain Francis Drake, the ship is anchored in Plymouth. In what year was the first Pilgrim settlement established? Find out what other facts you can learn about this town.
• The drama begins with young Ned rescuing a man from a ship that had been broken apart by the water and rocks. For many years, lighthouse workers also had this task. Learn more about lighthouse keepers and the roles they played, particularly in regard to shipwrecks. Record your findings.

Math

• Find out how many pounds make up a ton.
• Two ships were mentioned in the beginning of the audio drama. The Swan was said to be 25 tons with 26 sailors onboard. How many pounds was the ship?
• The Pacha is 70 tons with 47 sailors. How much does this ship weigh?
• The Spanish Inquisition started in 1478 and ended in 1834. How many years did it last?

Art

• Using mixed media, create a picture of the two ships while in harbor in Plymouth.
• With the assistance of a parent, do a search online to find photos of baselard daggers. Draw a picture of one.
• Look up the nautical terms listed under vocabulary (above), then draw a ship and label the different parts.

Gym

• In the opening scene of the audio drama one of the boys is on the way to a cricket match. Research and learn about this sport. In what ways is it similar to baseball? What ways is it different?
• Find out what countries play this sport.