Show this newspaper front page from 2050 - THE FO'C'SLE. Do these headlines sound familiar? This page gives an overview of the unit from the perspective of a reporter putting together a feature story on a crisis in the fishing industry. Conduct the lesson from this online page or simply use it for discussion and then follow the activities below. (Teacher tip: if teaching directly from The Fo'c'sle, read through the complete procedures for teaching ideas and additional teaching resources.)

Procedure

Activity One - A Visit to Galilee, Rhode Island

Like a detective game, this "starter" activity piques students' interest and gets them thinking.

Activity Two - Map Analysis

Students analyze a map of the area off the New England coast, known as Georges Bank, in order to understand that the topography contributes to an area of rich fishing conditions. This is the area that was written about in the novel and shown in the movie, The Perfect Storm.

Activity Three - Photographic Analysis

Students review three photographs from the American Memory collections that detail the culture of the fishing industry in New England. The first photo shows an individual at work with his gear; the second shows a team of fisherman cleaning their catch; the third illustrates codfish drying in abundance in Gloucester, Massachusetts. When studied together, the photos illustrate a culture and a profession that led to overfishing.

Activity Four - Language Analysis

Students read an oral history interview with a local fisherman that shows his dedication to fishing.

Activity Five - Interpretive or Found Poetry

This activity enables the students to highlight specific words that target the meaning of a chosen theme in a concise, creative fashion. It can be used in a variety of ways throughout the curriculum. In a non-fiction piece students focus on specific information and can summarize material in compelling forms.

Activity Six - Debate

Students must organize information and work cooperatively for a class debate. This culminating activity involves students in many capacities, including research, written summaries, and oral presentation.

Evaluation

A rubric should be developed with students based on the activities that are chosen for this unit. Emphasize the use of factual material and presentation style. Use Teach-nology's Teacher Rubric Generator to help develop rubrics.

A Debate Rubric for Activity Six is included.

Extensions

Students can choose among these activities:

• Each student interviews one member of his or her community who works in some aspect of the fishing industry, such as a seafood retailer or local fisherman. 
• Students present environmental posters or write editorials addressing critical issues affecting the fishing industry today. 
• Students write letters to legislators suggesting a bill that addresses their environmental concerns.
  

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