Chart of Plymouth Bay https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3762p.ar096000/ 

This nautical chart of Plymouth Bay from the 1770's gives us a good image of why this well protected bay would be a good place to land a large ship.  What other details and features are shown on a nautical chart that would not be included on a traditional map?  

This map was created close to 150 years after the iconic landing of the Mayflower.  Questions to consider include:

What evidence is there of the people living in this area?  (homes, farming, towns, roads, harbors).  What would have been here in 1620?  Look for diaries or historical fiction of this event.

What features makes this a good harbor? (protective barrier land masses and peninsulas, water depth).  Did the navigators of the Mayflower know about this harbor or find it by accident?  

There is no key for this map.  Ask students to create a key.

Consider the science of sailing.  Favorable winds are required but too much or too little can be disastrous.  What information would be necessary for sailors before setting sail?  How are ships designed to handle the elements?  

Compare this map with a current nautical chart of the area.  https://www.oceangrafix.com/chart/zoom?chart=13253 

How has the area changed over time?  How has the harbor changed over time?

Pre K - 2 3 - 5 6 - 8 9 - 12 13+ English/Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies/History Technology

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