These immersive, 2 1/2-hour education programs are available aboard USS Constellation or USCG Cutter 37. Each program combines shipboard hands-on activities and reinforces reading and listening skills in support of Maryland Voluntary State Curricula.
Our half-day programs provide an immersive hands-on historic experience with twenty-first century applicability, that encourages team-work, problem solving, and learning. Historic Ships in Baltimore's Half-Day Programs offer groups a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of sailors and learn about life aboard a mid-19th century warship, USS Constellation, or the only ship still afloat that survived the Japanese December 7, 1941 attack on Hawaii, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 37.
Each program provides introductory ship tours, after which teachers/group leaders may choose two of three elective programming options that focus on specific topics which develop a more specialized vocabulary and skill set. At the end of their 2 1/2-hour program, learning can be reinforced in a written exercise and assessment. Assessment results are forwarded to the teacher if desired. Each program provides a uniquely different approach toward reading and listening development and reinforcement, and involve hands-on activities. Programs aboard USS Constellation culminate with a live-firing of one of the ship’s cannons.
USS Constellation
Age of Sail Program
Division One: "Blowin' in the Wind"
Location: USS Constellation
Did you know that sailing ships can move in directions that the wind is not blowing? How is that? Come aboard and brace the yards! Learn the language of the sea and how great sailing ships move across the oceans.
MD State Curricula Fulfilled: SCS: Reading 1.D.1.b; Reading 6.A.2.d; SCS: Reading 6.A.2.e.
Division Two: "Heave 'Round!"
Location: USS Constellation
Did you know that as few as 80 sailors could move the ship through the water even if the wind was not blowing? How can that be? Come aboard and heave the capstan ‘round. Find out how the anchors were hauled off the sea bed and how the 7,500 pound cannons were brought aboard.
MD State Curricula Fulfilled: SCS: Reading 1.D.1.b; Reading 6.A.2.d; SCS: Reading 6.A.2.e.
Division Three: "Man the Guns!"
Location: USS Constellation
Constellation’s great guns required a crew of 14 sailors and one “powder monkey.” Students step on to the gun deck where they learn to operate a huge cannon. After learning the language and the basic skills of the gun deck, students demonstrate their mastery in gun drill races.
Fulfills MD State Curricula: SCS: Reading 1.D.1.b; Reading 6.A.2.d; SCS: Reading 6.A.2.e.
USCG Cutter 37
Age of Steel Ships
Division One: “The Buoyancy Challenge."
Locations: USS Constellation or USCG Cutter 37
A lot needs to be considered when designing a vessel. Students learn about the forces that work against any vessel as they design and build their own boats that float. Using aluminum foil, paper, and popsicle sticks, students create boats that float, and they compete to see whose boat can carry the most cargo.
Fulfills MD State Curricula: SCS: Reading 1.D.1.b; Reading 6.A.2.d; SCS: Reading 6.A.2.e.; SCS: Science 1.A.1.a.; SCS: Science 1.D.1.a.
Division Two: “Fix the Ship"
Location: USCG Cutter 37
Who fixes the ship? Once out at sea, crews are responsible for the safety and maintenance of the ship. Students will learn how sailors handled shipboard emergencies on board Cutter 37. This exercise encourages students to work together in small groups as they reinforce a bulkhead to fix a leak.
Fulfills MD State Curricula: SCS: Reading 1.D.1.b; Reading 6.A.2.d; SCS: Reading 6.A.2.e.; SCS: Science 1.A.1.a.; SCS: Science 1.B.1.b; SCS: Science 1.C.1.d.
Division Three: “Send a Code"
Location: USCG Cutter 37
How do ships communicate at sea? Even without the use of radios, ships can send messages. Students discuss modern communication before learning about semaphore and Morse code. Find out how to flash a signal!
Fulfills MD State Curricula: SCS: Reading 1.D.1.b; Reading 6.A.2.d; SCS: Reading 6.A.2.e.; SCS: Reading 5.D.1.a.; SCS: Science 1.C.1.d.
for 2021-2022
Options for Availability
Large tables may scroll
| Time of Year | Day Choices | Time Slots |
|---|---|---|
| September-March | Sa-Su | 09:30 am - 12:00 noon 12:30 pm - 03:00 pm 06:30 pm - 09:00 pm |
| March-June | M-F | 09:30 am - 12:00 noon 12:30 pm - 03:00 pm 06:30 pm - 09:00 pm |
Requirements and Pricing
This program is a flat fee of $450 for any group size up to 30 people, adults or youth. Additional participants are $15 per person, up to a maximum of 60.
At the end of each program, a written assessment will be completed and forward to the teacher if requested.
Payment
After receiving the form below, your reservation will be tentatively added to the calendar. A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the program's total cost is required to confirm the date. Balance due 30 days prior to program. No refunds within 30 days of a program.
For more information, or to make reservations, please use the form below:
Inquires
For Questions or Booking a Half-Day Program, Use this Form
Free Download:
Curricula
Historic Ships in Baltimore is pleased to provide, free of charge, the African Squadron Reader. This document provides a full course of instruction in reading and literacy skills. Students will enjoy reading the primary source documents, fog-indexed for grade level, recounting the Navy's fight against the slave trade:
Download African Squadron Reader: Grade 6
Download African Squadron Reader: Grade 7
Download African Squadron Reader: Grade 8
Also included are quizzes, assessment tools and other fun activities designed to encourage the development of reading and literacy skills.
Free Resource:
Virtual Tours
If you can't arrange a tour for your students but still want to expose them to Maryland's historical heritage, we offer virtual tours of the USS Constellation that can be viewed at any time.
