• Program Description
• Outline
• MA Curriculum Framework Learning Standards
• Scheduling a Visit

Description
Join our shipyard gang and learn how wooden boats are made and the heritage of Essex shipbuilding.  In this highly-interactive, hands-on environment (Click here to read about the Museum's educational design philosophy) students will see, touch, smell, explore, and build wooden fishing schooners.  Linked directly to the Museum’s collections, exhibits, and century’s old working shipyard, this program is designed to provide an engaging mix of content knowledge and hands-on activity. 

Using rare photographs of wooden boat construction, students are transported back in time to the 19th century when the shipbuilders of Essex, MA built more wooden schooners than any other place in the world.  From small models to a 91’ fishing schooner, the EVELINA M. GOULART, students will learn how these vessels are constructed.  They will use steam to bend a two-inch thick oak plank and hang it on the frames of a 70’ dragger, make tree-nails to fasten planks to the frames of a ship, and smell the oakum used to keep the boat watertight. 

Students will also examine why different hull shapes move and function differently in water by building a model boat, complete with mast and ballast.  We’ll then test their design in the Water Tank.  Using hand tools and simple machines, we’ll bring the shipyard back to life as we explore the design, construction, tools, science, math, and history of wooden boats.  Packed with hands-on activities, this is the default school program, with emphasis on area heritage and Essex-built fishing schooners.  

Outline
Students will be divided into small groups to allow each student multiple opportunities for hands-on practice.  The groups will cycle through different learning stations, each introducing vocabulary and physical evidence through demonstration and participation, which support an idea or process.  Groups will rotate through four learning stations:

Boat Design
Starting with a tree log, we will explore the design of boats.  From using a wedge (a.k.a. simple machine) to split the wood, we’ll shape it using medieval tools, and test the shape in our large Water Tank.  The group will continue to problem-solve as they build their prototype sail boat, making it more efficient in the water, and adding masts and ballast.  Uses hand tools.  Concepts include boat parts, stability, trim, buoyancy, and tree components.  This is a fast paced and very engaging learning experience. 

Boat Construction
A unique elapsed-time video of the building of the schooner FAME sets the stage for how large wooden boats have been built in Essex for the past 350 years.  After interpreting some historic photographs the kids will be able to see and touch the fishing schooner EVELINA M. GOULART.  They will discuss her present state of condition as well as her illustrious past.  Essex’s unique heritage will be put into context.  Students will then make “trunnels” the wooden pegs used to hold the boats together. 

Steam Bending
A little simple science can save a lot of work.  Just how do you bend thick hardwood planks to form the curved and graceful shape of a boat?  In our Steam Shed we will examine the reasons why and how to steam bend a plank (as well as other non-nautical applications).  After experimenting with smaller pieces, students will be put to work as the “shipyard planking gang,” steaming and hanging a 20’ oak plank on the frames of a model 70’ dragger. 

Simple Machines
Experiment with the mechanical advantage of simple machines in the shipyard.  From tug-of-war to hauling a skiff up a ramp, students will get plenty of practice applying levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and wheel and axles.  We’ll toss in a tape measure, a couple scales, rope, and some math to illustrate how it all works.  Includes moving heavy objects, resistance, friction, effort, and the mathematics of mechanical advantage. 

MA Curriculum Framework Learning Standards
The Essex Shipbuilding Museum’s school education program fully supports the Massachusetts’s Curriculum Framework learning standards: 

History and Social Science Curriculum Framework
3.12 Explain how objects or artifacts of everyday life in the past tell us how ordinary people lived and how everyday life has changed. Draw on the services of the local historical society and local museums as needed. (H, G, E)

5.11 Explain the importance of maritime commerce in the development of the economy of colonial Massachusetts, using historical societies and museums as needed. (H, E)

     A. the fishing and shipbuilding industries
     B. trans-Atlantic trade
     C. the port cities of New Bedford, Newburyport,
         Gloucester, Salem, and Boston

Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework
Technology & Engineering 1.2 Identify and explain the appropriate materials and tools (e.g., hammer, screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, screws, nails, and other mechanical fasteners) to construct a given prototype safely.

Technology & Engineering 1.3 Identify and explain the difference between simple and complex machines, e.g., hand can opener that includes multiple gears, wheel, wedge gear, and lever.
 

Scheduling a Visit
The fee is $8 per student for this 120 minute program.  Pre-registration is required. To schedule a visit or for more information call our Education Director at (978) 768-6441 or click here to email a request.