Lesson plan based on Model Boat

Calculate the length of a journey down the Nile River given various weather and water—current conditions.

Skills and Focus: Calculation, Problem Solving

Subject Area: Science

Thematic Connection: Geography

Grade Level: Middle School

Time Needed: 60 minutes

Objectives

• Solve an algebraic problem.

• Understand how the weather affects travel on a river.

Instructional Materials Needed

Story: Boats in Ancient Egypt

Activity

Step 1: While watching Boats in Ancient Egypt, make sure they note the distance the Nile River travels through Egypt. Then ask them to calculate the number of days it would take for a boat traveling 5 mph in still water for 12 hours a day to sail the length of the Nile.

Step 2: Then ask the students to perform the following calculations:

• Assuming the waters of the Nile flow south to north (S—N) at 4 mph, how long will it take to sail the length of the Nile S—N and then N—S.

• If the S—N wind can increase the speed of a boat using a sail by an additional 6 mph, calculate the S—N travel time.

Step 3: Calculate the difference between the N—S and the S—N travel times.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 11: Have a working knowledge of the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.

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