Goals:

The students will solve mathematical story problems having to do with the lifeboats of the Titanic.

The students will decide why some people got on the lifeboats and why others did not.

The students will work cooperatively in groups to complete these problems.

Materials:

access to passenger list of the Titanic

Time:

This lesson should take approximately three to four hours.

Procedures:

1.Ý Begin by discussing the issue of lifeboats and why they were such a factor in the number of people that died on the Titanic. Ask the students questions about what/who determined who got into the lifeboats.

2.Ý Split the students in to groups of 3-4 people. Each group will be responsible for the following:
 

Give a short explanation on why certain people boarded the lifeboats and others did not.

Figure out how many lifeboats there were on the Titanic, and how many people each could hold.

How many people would be without a lifeboat?

How many lifeboats should there have been?

Ý
3.Ý The class will reconvene and each group will present their findings. Each group should also discuss how they solved each of the problems they were given.

4.Ý The class will conduct a general discussion about lifeboat regulations and the importance of always having
enough lifeboats to hold all of the passengers.

Assessment:

The students will be assessed the same way as they were assessed for the previous math activity "Passengers of the Titanic".
Exemplary - completes all problems with no errors; has appropriate problem solving strategies; explains in detail how each problem was solved Ý

Proficient - completes all problems with little to no errors; most problem solving strategies are appropriate; explains briefly how each problem was solved

Novice - completes some of the problems with some errors; problem solving strategies are few; explains briefly how each problem was solved

Unemployable - completes few of the problems with many errors; no problem solving strategies; does not explain how each problem was solved (if solved at all)

Curricular Strands and Major Concepts:

Math - mathematical concepts to figure out the problems

Language Arts - oral presentation of their findings and communicating with group members

Social Studies -Ý solving complex social problems, safety issues, & moral/ethical issues

Science - ship design

The Titanic - developed by Kelly Coleman, Nikki Cosgrove, Megan Mills, & Dorothy Weber

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This page submitted by St. Norbert College Ocean Voyagers Program.