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Reading Treks: Carry On, Mr. Bowditch - TeachersFirst
Grades
7 to 9
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Step aboard a literary voyage through history with this Reading Trek inspired by Jean Lee Latham's novel, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, designed as a virtual field trip that uses an...more
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Step aboard a literary voyage through history with this Reading Trek inspired by Jean Lee Latham's novel, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, designed as a virtual field trip that uses an integrated Google My Maps experience along with an accompanying Teachers' Guide featuring lesson activities, map extensions, and discussion prompts. The story traces the life of Nathaniel Bowditch, a determined, self-educated mathematician and navigator whose passion for learning helps him overcome hardship and make lasting contributions to navigation and science. Set in late 18th- and early 19th-century New England and aboard merchant ships traveling the globe, the novel weaves together history, geography, and mathematics while highlighting themes of perseverance, curiosity, and intellectual growth. Best suited for grades 7-9, this Reading Trek aligns with the Common Core ELA Standards, mathematical practices, and social studies skills, using close reading, map exploration, and interdisciplinary activities to build content knowledge while strengthening critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world connections across subject areas.
tag(s): map skills (67), Reading Treks (56)
In the Classroom
Bring Nathaniel Bowditch's seafaring journey to life with hands-on activities that engage students in reflection, research, and problem-solving while exploring Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. Begin by having students respond to the prompt "What's something you wish you knew before starting something new?" using a classwide survey created with Slido, reviewed here, then discuss how their responses connect to Nat's early challenges learning mathematics and navigation at sea. Extend learning by assigning groups to research common 18th-century sailor hardships, such as scurvy, isolation, or storm-related injuries, and create an informative visual using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here that explains causes, effects, and solutions while highlighting how Bowditch responded through persistence and self-education. As students read, have them collaborate on a digital vocabulary and concepts board using Stormboard, reviewed here, where they define maritime terms, illustrate navigation ideas, and link each concept to locations on the Reading Trek map, reinforcing how mathematics, learning, and determination shaped Bowditch's success and impacted the lives of those who sailed with him.
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