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A Seafaring Adventure: Exploring Pirate and Mermaid Lore in a Multi-Level Homeschool Unit Study Curriculum

Writer's picture: Meagan ShahinMeagan Shahin

Updated: Oct 24, 2024




Ahoy, homeschool families! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling seafaring adventure filled with tales of pirates and mermaids? Join us as we delve into a multi-level homeschool unit study that will take you on a journey through fairy tales, legends, history, and science. From flags to foods, myths to infamous scallywags, this curriculum has it all!


Set Sail with Us


As we set sail on this educational voyage, get ready to hoist the sails and explore the captivating world of pirates and mermaids. Our unit study is designed to spark curiosity and ignite the imagination of learners of all ages, and used with my 7 and 9 year old kiddos. Through a combination of hands-on activities and engaging lessons, your kids will uncover the mysteries of the high seas. For the next 6 weeks, you children will learn about Pirates and Mermaids.


Multi-level homeschool unit-study curriculum

Unveiling the Treasure Trove of Learning


As local Floridians, my family loves to check out local museums and learn about Florida's history. From St. Augustine to Key West, there are a multitude of pirate museums and military forts that are a blast to visit. So, when it came to finding an engaging and interesting way to teach my eldest about fiction versus nonfiction, story elements, setting, complex characters, and perspectives, it seemed like a perfect choice to develop a unit focused on pirates and mermaids.


In this unit study, kids have the opportunity to create their own pirate flag, construct and float a ship, craft a compass, and practice number plotting and chart coordinates. These hands-on projects not only make learning fun but also reinforce key concepts in subjects like geography, history, and mathematics.


Multi-level homeschool unit-study curriculum

From Myth to Reality-

Distinguish fact from fiction, while exploring Mermaid & Pirate legends, myths, and fables.


Multi-level homeschool unit-study curriculum

Journey through the myths and legends surrounding pirates and mermaids, separating fact from fiction as you explore the real stories behind these iconic figures of the sea. Uncover the truth behind famous pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny, and learn about the fascinating folklore surrounding mermaids.


I have incorporated knowledge of nonfiction text features, fictional genres, and elements of a story. We explore themes, plot, setting, and conflict, and use graphic organizers to identify plot components of Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, and of course Pirateology.


While exploring, the use of allegories, archetypes, and symbolism are introduced. Learners will explore characters and write about the complex characters that they read about in the Pirateology book, needed for this unit study.



Dive Into the Depths of Science


Multi-level homeschool unit-study curriculum

In addition to history and legends, the curriculum delves into the science related to seafaring and pirate ships. Children will discover the various components of pirate ships from front to back. They will construct paper boats and test Archimedes' principle of buoyancy with them.


By exploring magnets, the Earth's polarity, and conducting buoyancy experiments, this curriculum effectively incorporates scientific principles within the pirate and mermaid theme.





Charting a Course to Curiosity


Multi-level homeschool unit-study curriculum

As you navigate through this multi-level homeschool unit study, you will discover a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be unearthed. The blend of creativity, exploration, and critical thinking woven throughout the unit ensures that learners are not only engaged but also challenged to think outside the box.



Join Us on This Educational Expedition


Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of pirates and mermaids? This multi-level homeschool unit study curriculum promises an enriching and immersive experience for the entire family. So, grab your compass, unfurl the sails, and set course for a seafaring adventure like no other!


Multi-level homeschool unit-study curriculum

multi-level homeschool unit study

Topics Covered:


  • This 6 week unit study includes the following topics with Lesson Plan:

    • Module 1: Fiction or Non-Fiction

    • Module 2: Fictional Genres - Fables & Mermaid Tales

    • Module 3: Explore the elements of a story, characters, & conflict

    • Module 4: Symbolism & Archetypes

    • Module 5: Pirateology

    • Module 6: Exploring Pirate Ships & What makes them float?

    • Module 7: Pirate History & Terms

    • Module 8: Pirate Food, Flags, & Weapons

    • Module 9: Navigation, Maps & Plotting Coordinates

    Sensory:

    • How to create an ocean themed sensory bottle

    • Pirate themed play dough mats (also beneficial for fine motor development)

    • Tracing Handwriting practice

    Activities:

    • Story Mapping of The Little Mermaid & Peter Pan

    • Story Map comparison of characters in a film and a book

    • Float a Boat Experiment

    • Design a Pirate Flag

    • Map Coordinates

    • Floating Compass Experiment

    • Create a Pirate Sword

    • Create Pirate shapes using play-dough


Texts Required:

multi-level homeschool unit study
  • Pirateology by Dugald Steer

  • Peter Pan by James M. Barrie 

  • The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen

  • Aesop’s Fables

  • The Secret History of Mermaids and Creatures of the Deep by Ari Berk


Recommended Books:

  • Never Never by Serena Valentino

  • Mermaids and Mermen by Shannon Knudsen

  • Mermaid Legends by Kate Light

  • Captain Kidd’s Crew Experiments with Sinking and Floating by Mark Weakland

  • Pirates: Blackbeard by Sue Hamilton

  • Pirates: Pirate Ships and Weapons by John Hamilton


Films:

  • Peter Pan by Disney

  • The Little Mermaid by Disney


Games:

  • Tiny Epic Pirates 

  • Professor Noggins Explorers

  • Professor Noggins Geography of the United States 

  • Bananagrams


Texts for Fun:


  • Oceanology: The True Account of the Voyage of the Nautilus by Amanda Wood




For ideas on Homeschool Supplies or Books to include in a calm area, please check out these below pages. We have compiled recommendations to help support your family.




multi-level homeschool unit study

multi-level homeschool unit study



multi-level homeschool unit study






multi-level homeschool unit study






















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