Let's Go Careers: SAILING into EXCITING WRITING...by exploring the life of CARGO VESSELS & World Commerce
This lesson explores the variety of careers which center around the business of importing and exporting products all over the world. Whether it's bananas coming from countries near the equator, or computers traveling from Japan to the United States, or new cars being shipped from Detroit to Dubai, LARGE CONTAINER SHIPS transport 90 % of the world's salable goods.
The shipping part of this industry is a source of many interesting and well-paying jobs, and these jobs can be acquired with many different levels of education, from a high school diploma...to a Master's Degree...even to an actual degree in Maritime Shipping! Whether it's a port in Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C.., Savannah, Ga., Miami, Fl.... or a port up north in the Great Lakes region, there are rich possibilities for employment. Also, many of these jobs have worldwide travel opportunities, and could include a lifestyle near or on the water!
*This lesson features videos from KnowitAll's Let's Go Careers Series
Essential Question
Exactly what types of jobs are available in businesses related to exporting and importing products? A large portion of these jobs are directly related to international shipping and maritime commerce. Learn what these jobs are, and what types of preparation will get you ready for a position in this large and thriving industry,
Grade(s):
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Student chromebook
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
*Small copy of world map
*Small spiral notebook to use as a "travel diary" (in which to write nautical vocabulary words, and place names) and a pen
*Several copies of "travel magazines" with great photos ( NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC or SIERRA CLUB magazines...or hiking, biking, boating magazines, etc.)
*scissors
*glue
*markers
*cardboard, - 12"x 18" or larger if possible [this can be recycled from a shipping carton, etc.]
* posterboard, 1 piece ( can be used INSTEAD OF cardboard, if desired)
Lesson Progression
1. Watch all videos for information; then AFTER EACH VIDEO:
* Write 5 complete sentences giving information that is IMPORTANT about shipping, imports, exports.,and the ships, and crew jobs that accomplish the shipping of goods.
2. Look at a map of the United States., and locate these port cities and locations:
*Norfolk, VA.....*Charleston, SC.....*Georgetown, SC.....*Savannah, GA.....*Miami, FL.....
*The Great Lakes region, (which contains the GREAT LAKES WATERWAY, abbreviated GLW) that
connects these lakes with each other for shipping purposes)
*Lake Erie....*Lake Ontario....* Lake Superior....* Lake Michigan....
* the city of Chicago, IL (a very important destination for goods)
3. What would be the personal advantages to live in one of these areas?
Teacher Notes
Total immersion in a subject helps to broaden vocabulary, expand conceptual understanding of topics, and enhance geographical knowledge. It is an excellent way to springboard into writing, especially...but also works for seeing how math may also be needed in everyday settings at the workplace. Utilize this total immersion technique to set your classroom on an unforgettable voyage! ( No need to pack a life preserver to protect against BOREDOM! )
Photo Journaling by a Cargo Ship Crewmember
This is a photo collage of some sights and experiences a crewmember might have, while pulling into ports all around the world.
View ResourceA Crewmember's Poem... " On Morning Watch "
This is a sample poem, composed by an imaginary "crew member" of a cargo vessel that is out at sea.
View ResourceLet's Go! Careers: Thomas Jones - Import Team Leader, Maritime Industry / knowitall.org 2:47
Growing up in Charleston, and being fascinated by the ocean, ships, and the coast, Thomas Jones works with the international shipping industry in a job that he describes as VERY INTERESTING, having many differet tasks a day.
View ResourceWhat is the Maritime Industry? / YouTube, 3:25
This is a brief introduction to just exactly WHAT the Maritime industry is! Short and informative.
View ResourceHow Container Ports Work / YouTube, 6:15
This is a great description of the WORLD OF CONTAINER PORTS and the shipping industry.
View ResourceJoining The Maritime Industry / YouTube - 2:43
Cadets who are attending Maritime College are speaking about why they became interested in a maritime-centered career. Whether they are interested in ships, port operations, or communications, this field is LOADED with excellent job opportunities, for any educational background.
View ResourcePROTECTING U.S. COMMERCE/ The Brookings Institute
This gathering was held to discuss the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard in helping to keep waters "politically safe" and open, as the commercial interests of the United States are vitally linked to the shipping industry. Over 23 million jobs in the U.S. are provided by the importing and exporting of goods to & from ports all over the world.
View ResourceThe S.C. Maritime Museum / Georgetown, S.C.
This museum opened in 2011 in Georgetown, which is S.C.'s 2nd largest port city. (Charleston is the largest.) Look at the great exhibits offered at the museum, and visit sometime if you can!
View ResourceStandards
- I Inquiry-Based Literacy Standards
- I Inquiry-Based Literacy Standards
- I Inquiry-Based Literacy Standards
- I Inquiry-Based Literacy Standards
- I Inquiry-Based Literacy Standards
- I Inquiry-Based Literacy Standards
- I Inquiry-Based Literacy Standards
Assessments
1. Write a complete definition of each term:
*mariner *marine life * cargo ship or container vessel /captain/master
* tug boat/harbor pilot *longshoreman *stevedor
*fore & aft * bow & stern * navigation *compass *knots
2. Select 2 of the creativity projects below, and complete both of them to finish your assessment.
A.). Construct a "travel picture-map" of world destinations, where a career in shipping might take you (whether as captain or crew member) . Cut out lots of different scenes from the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazines,( or GO magazine,SIERRA CLUB magazine , or any others with great photos of PLACES.) Glue these clippi!ngs onto the cardboard background, and label these exotic places with markers, etc. This is your TRAVEL WISH-MAP!
B). Write a short sea-going poem using some of the boating terms you heard and saw when you watched the cargo ship videos. Be sure to use some words about the 5 senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste , touch) that describe " a morning on the boat" or "a night on the boat", etc.
C). Make an advertisement poster, trying to get new crew members to sign up for a 40 - day voyage on a cargo/ container ship. Design it thinking that it might be posted in a window of a coffee shop in seaport city. Use a few clippings from magazines to "catch the attention" of the passersby, but make your description IRRESISTABLE with exotic travel words, exciting, sea-going verbs, and salty, briny adjectives!
