A Virtual Learning Program for Grades K – 8
Why are circles central to the work of a sailor? Join us aboard our flagship Wavertree to learn how a circle’s geometry creates strength in marine architecture and is critical to navigation.
Educational Resources
This Teachers’ Guide offers more ways to explore circles and simple machines at home or in the classroom with episode themes, activities and questions, vocabulary, and an independent student activity with answer guide. The Student Activity, without an answer key, is also available as a separate PDF for printing, email, or to upload to a classroom website.
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Episode One – Why Are Portholes Round?
It’s all about the definition of a circle.
Episode Two – Walk the Capstan ’Round
See how this tool for handling heavy loads uses simple physics and circle geometry to make work easier. Older students can make calculations with pi.
Episode Three – At The Helm
The most familiar circle on board a ship, the wheel, is a circle and a simple machine. See how it works!
Episode Four – Which Way?
Ships’ navigation is based on a circle: the 360 degree circle devised by the ancients. See how the ships’ compass and navigational charts use circles.