Introduction
Educating the next generation about our history is fundamental in shaping their understanding of the world. Teaching students about technological advancements, such as the first submarine ever, can inspire them and make them appreciate human ingenuity. In this article, we’ll explore how to engage students in learning about the first submarine ever – its inception, design, function, and impact on maritime warfare.
1. Historical Context
Begin by providing the historical context of when and why submarines were developed. Dive into the geopolitical landscape and technological innovations of the time. Explain that submarines were initially designed for military purposes to gain strategic advantages during various conflicts.
2. The First Submarine – Turtle
Introduce students to the first submarine ever created – the Turtle. Designed during the American Revolutionary War by American inventor David Bushnell, Turtle was a small one-man vessel used for attaching explosives to enemy ships underwater. Discuss its egg-shaped structure made from oak-timber beams and waterproofed with tar.
3. How It Operated
To help students visualize navigating a submarine, describe how the operator sat inside it with his head in a conning tower – a small viewport made of thick glass for underwater vision. Discuss how propulsion was powered through hand-operated treadle and rotary crank systems while explaining basic buoyancy principles like ballast tanks and air regulation.
4. The Turtle’s Mission
Share details surrounding its historic mission in 1776 when Sergeant Ezra Lee attempted to sink British vessels with explosives during the Battle of Brooklyn but ultimately failed due to various technical challenges.
5. Legacy & Modern Day Submarines
Discuss how while Turtle was not successful in its original mission, it contributed to future improvements in submarine technology. Explore how various engineers and inventors expanded upon Bushnell’s design principles to create more advanced submarines, eventually leading to modern-day submarines equipped with sophisticated navigation systems and nuclear power.
6. Classroom & Hands-on Activities
To fully engage students, incorporate interactive activities, such as building a model submarine using simple materials or conducting experiments that demonstrate basic principles of buoyancy and propulsion.
Conclusion
The history of the first submarine ever is a fascinating chapter in maritime warfare, offering insights into engineering and innovation amidst the backdrop of geopolitical conflicts. By teaching students about the Turtle, educators can inspire them to appreciate human creativity and challenge them to think critically about our past. Engaging classroom activities further enhance learning experiences, providing a more profound understanding of how technology has shaped our lives throughout history.
