Sheridan fourth graders board Titanic for immersive journey into history

Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools

Last Friday, April 11, Sheridan Elementary School’s fourth-grade classes embarked on a unique and immersive journey through history as they participated in a day all about life on the Titanic. This engaging event brought the story of the sunken Titanic to life for the students, fostering both learning and empathy as they explored the events of that fateful night.

The day provided an overview of the Titanic, its tragic sinking, and the lives lost aboard. Students gained a deep understanding of the ship’s magnificence and the heart-wrenching events that unfolded during its ill-fated voyage. They read survivor accounts, which were shared as part of the day’s lessons. These firsthand stories offered the students a personal perspective on the disaster and helped them understand the human side of this tragedy.

Students also explored how many more lives could have been saved if lifeboats had been filled to capacity. Students were taught about the decisions that led to the loss of life aboard the ship and its sinking, and they discussed the importance of modern-day safety protocols. Additionally, they learned about mathematical comparisons, such as calculating the area and perimeter of a first-class suite versus a third-class cabin. This lesson helped students visualize the vast differences in living conditions aboard the ship.

A major highlight of the day involved each student receiving a ticket to board the Titanic. As they entered the classroom, they became a passenger for the day, embodying a character from the ship’s journey. At the end of the day, they found out whether they survived the sinking or tragically perished aboard the ship, offering a unique and personal connection to the historical event.

This event is not just about learning history; it’s about bringing history to life in a way that is meaningful, engaging, and educational. Students walked away with a deeper understanding of the Titanic’s story, the lessons learned from its tragic sinking, and the importance of never forgetting the lives lost.