Harpoons have played a significant role in human history, ranging from ancient hunting methods to modern-day fishing practices. As teachers, it is important to give our students an understanding of how these tools were created, used, and perfected throughout history.
One way to approach the topic of harpoons is to focus on their use in historical whaling practices. This can provide students with insight into the harsh realities of the whaling industry as well as the ecology of the ocean and the impact of human interactions with marine life.
Begin with a brief history of whaling and the development of harpoon technology. The first harpoons were simply sharp sticks used to stab fish and marine mammals from shore or boats. However, with the growth of the whaling industry in the 19th century, harpoon technology became more advanced. Harpoons with detachable heads and attached ropes were developed, allowing whaling ships to catch larger species.
You can also introduce the ethical dilemmas surrounding whaling. Students should be encouraged to engage in discussions about the reasons behind whaling, such as the need for oil and other resources, and why some species were hunted to near extinction.
Another approach is to focus on modern-day fishing practices and the use of harpoons in sustainable fishing practices. Students can explore the benefits and drawbacks of using harpoons versus other fishing tools and consider the impact of these different methods on the environment.
As a classroom activity, you can have students create their own harpoons using everyday objects like skewers, rubber bands, and foam. They can test the effectiveness of their harpoons by trying to catch plastic fish or objects in a container of water.
