Classroom Activity
This activity is from the New Bedford Whaling Museum. It has been modified to follow a standard format and includes current
standards.
Plotting Absolute Locations
Grade Level
Middle school or high school
Lesson Time
One classroom period
Materials Needed
• Data sheet
• Organism sheet
• North Atlantic Ocean Chart
Summary
In this lesson students will use data from the brig Sullivan on a voyage from New Bedford early last century.
They will use Lat. and Long. data to plot the sightings. Once the plots are entered on the chart, they can
mark the voyage path in the North Atlantic, and discuss reasons for the length of time of the trip.
Objectives
Students will:
1. Plot the locations of the various organisms sighted on this voyage, and trace the ship’s path.
2. See the locations of the various organisms sighted on the voyage.
3. Understand why longitude locations on the chart have negative values, and locate the point from which
Longitude is measured
Learning Standards
1. Students gain sophistication and experience in using models, satellite images and maps to represent
and interpret processes and features. (MA Science Skills – Grades 6-8)
2. Measure with accuracy and precision (MA Mathematical Skills)
Extension Activities
1. Research the whaling ships used in the 18th and 19th Century in the North Atlantic
2. Research the organisms seen on this journey and study their economic value.
3. Study life working conditions aboard a whaling vessel
4. Research the life of a sailor on a whale ship. How much would the wages be for such a trip?
Questions for Discussion
- Where are most of the organisms sighted in this ship log found? Why do they exist in certain locations of
the ocean?
- How long was the average whaling ship on a voyage?
- What is the difference between a chart and a map?
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Plotting Absolute Locations
The brig Sullivan made a whaling voyage out of New Bedford in 1905. We have provided ten absolute
locations taken directly from a logbook from this trip. Using the chart of the Atlantic Ocean plot the
latitude and longitude of each entry. Do you recognize the names of the animals listed in the right
hand column? A page with images of these organisms is attached.
Date
June 2, 1905
36o
June 5
35o 6' N
64o 35' W
Grampus
June 7
34o
63o
Porpoises
June 9
34o 15' N
63o 10' W
Sunfish
June 12
35o
52o
Porpoises, diamondfish
July 9
33o 29' N
50o 38' W
Grampus, porpoises
July 18
33o
50o
Two sperm whales, struck one
July 28
32o 47' N
49o 45' W
Blackfish
Sept 7
37o
41o
Finback
Sept 13
39o 14' N
Latitude
N
50' N
29' N
28' N
18' N
67o
Longitude
4' W
10' W
43' W
32' W
32' W
31o 6' W
Sighting
School of whales
Saw (the island of) Flores
Stayed in Faial until October 20, 1905
Feb 4, 1906
38o 14' N
27o 19' W
Squid
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