Pirates…argghh…
Blackbeard the Pirate: The Not-So-Jolly Roger and Internet Workshop
Step 1
In the book, The Not-So-Jolly Roger, we meet Blackbeard the famous pirate.
Look carefully on pages 12-15, 21, 26 & 27, 32, 54 & 55 (and others) for information about Blackbeard.
Take notes on the information you learn about Blackbeard, and write down where the information came from (page number). Please record your information in your Data Retrieval Chart (DRC).
Step 2
You are invited to continue researching Blackbeard! As you read, think about the following questions for each section and take good notes:
Blackbeard: Pirate Terror at Sea
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pirates/bbeard.html
National Geographic for Kids
BOOM:
1. What’s going on in this section?
2. Why do you think the pirates boarded the ship?
3. Describe Blackbeard.
IT WAS A REIGN OF FEAR:
1. When would pirates typically attack ships?
2. How did Blackbeard and his crew capture ships?
a. Why would the pirates first target the sailor at the ship’s wheel?
b. How would a pirate determine a ship’s nationality?
BLACKBEARD WAS BRITISH:
1. What was Blackbeard’s real name?
2. What was Blackbeard’s life like as a young seaman?
3. Describe privateers.
4. How did Blackbeard become captain of his own ship; describe it.
MOST MERCHANT SHIPS:
1. Describe the cargo of merchant ships.
2. Describe Blackbeard.
3. What happened to the cargo ship in Charleston?
4. Why would Blackbeard have wanted a medical chest?
Blackbeard made a home base:
1. Where did Blackbeard make a home? Why?
2. Describe Blackbeard’s relationship with the colonists of NC? Why did they
tolerate him?
3. How could Blackbeard’s pirate bash have led to his demise or downfall?
SPOTSWOOD SENT TWO SLOOPS:
1. How did Blackbeard know he was trapped?
2. How did his crew react?
3. Describe Blackbeard’s “wait and see” plan.
4. How were Blackbeard and his crew finally defeated?
5. What do you think about the way Blackbeard’s story ends?
Step 3
You may also wish to check out these sites for additional information:
* http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/blackbeard/ax/main_fs.html — National Geographic Movie about Blackbeard
* http://www.blackbeardlives.com/theplank.htm — RealAudio or Quick Time Audio Clips from Historians Discussing Blackbeard
* http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/pirate-fame.html — Famous Pirates (Remember Blackbeard’s Real Name)
* http://www.teachshole.com/exhibit.htm – The Story of Blackbeard
Use the (DRC) to organize your information.
Step 4
Using the information you have learned about Blackbeard, create an I POEM written from Blackbeard’s perspective. Include an artistic representation.
Check out the Time Warp Trio Web Site for lesson plans!
http://72.3.253.216/teachers-parents/lessons/
Check out a possible framework for introducing your students to I POETRY.
Originally from: http://www.lesn.appstate.edu/fryeem/RE4030/Pirates/blackbeardIwksp.html
Draft 1: Blackbeard I Poem
I am in command and always ready to fight.
I wonder if these men will fight or flight?
I hear the waves beating against my dear Queen Anne’s Revenge.
I see ships on the horizon.
I want all the wealth that the world can bring to my door.
I am in command and always ready to fight.
I pretend we are simply playing a game of cat and mouse.
I feel untouchable.
I touch the handle of my cutlass.
I worry how many of my men will die today?
I cry because in the end, this may all be worthless.
I am in command and always ready to fight.
I understand I’ve made many enemies.
I say, “Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum.”
I dream of lying on a sandy beach, bottle in hand, and surrounded by treasure.
I try not to take too many lives.
I hope to see myself in old age.
I am in command and always ready to fight.
DED for Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter & What If You Met a Pirate?
ktpoo1985 said,
October 6, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Ok, now that I have looked at your page I feel completely behind. Dang Joua. Keep up the good work.
Jennifer Foster said,
October 14, 2009 at 12:42 am
Joua,
there’s so much that I love about your I poem- allow me to elaborate:
I love the “fight/flight” reference- super cool!
I love the “cat and mouse” metaphor,
and I really love the “yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!” part- it brings back childhood memories of that movie- was it a Disney movie? I can’ t remember… anyway, I’m diggin’ your work!
ktpoo1985 said,
October 21, 2009 at 2:47 am
I like how you talked about his cutlass which was one of his favorite weapons. Everyone has done a great job on their I poems. i am so proud of you and the rest of my 2010′s
Jennifer Foster said,
October 21, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Joua,
Jenn
I don’t think I mentioned this last time, so here I go:
I really like your use of words when you say the line, “I dream of lying on a sandy beach, bottle in hand, and surrounded by treasure” because it makes me get such a great visual! I never would have thought about using the “surrounded by treasure” part, but, it really works!
Great job, as always.
See you later today!
edjouacateme said,
October 27, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Thanks Jenn, for all the kind compliments!