Take Only Photos and Leave Only Bubbles: Learn about American History from a Sunken Spanish Galleon. Seventh Grade Activity. Schools of California Online Resources for Education (SCORE): Connecting California's Classrooms to the World.

With so many natural resources in peril today, people need to examine how they excavate an archaeological site on land or a Spanish galleon found buried in an ocean coral reef. In this activity plan for seventh graders, the task involves a letter from the National Oceanographic Association (NOA) announcing the opportunity for university marine archaeologists to submit a proposal for the opportunity to excavate a recent discovery of a Spanish galleon, found at the Key Largo Coral Reef in the National Marine Sanctuary (Florida). NOA requests that the proposals need to include eight specific elements. Each team of four students (marine archaeologist, nautical historian, Spain and U.S. historian (s), and marine ecologist) work at their task so all tasks can be accomplished in the time allotted. The plan discusses use of the learning log, group report, presentation, and what each group member's section of the proposal should include. It offers learning advice; lists extensive resources; discusses evaluation; and poses conclusion and reflection questions. The teacher notes state goals/purpose; address California history/social studies and language arts standards; cite information literacy skills; discuss project length; provide background notes; note materials needed; list resources for the teacher; and suggest interdisciplinary connections. (BT)