Our talented team of Museum educators is committed to providing an engaging experience that brings SOL-related content to life for your students. We bring passion and energy to each program to ensure the highest level of impact and retention. To learn more about this program, click on one of the format options listed below.
Choose your experience:
Duration: 75 minutes
How do you design a lighthouse that can keep shining when conditions get tough? Students will connect maritime history, navigation, climate science, and engineering as they investigate the role of lighthouses and take on a collaborative design challenge inspired by the work of civil engineers, electricians, and architects.
Lighting the Way: Lighthouse History
Students will explore the history and use of lighthouses and their role in protecting mariners and supporting ocean navigation.
Investigating Climate Impacts
Students will examine a case study involving climate impacts affecting a famous lighthouse, learning about the collaboration and career skills necessary to preserve a historic landmark.
Engineering a Lighthouse
Students will work together to engineer their own lighthouse that can withstand the same conditions as real ones. Civil engineers, electricians, and architects are just some of the roles students will take on in this hands-on program.
By combining history, science, and hands-on design, students will strengthen collaboration and problem-solving while discovering how maritime technology and engineering careers tackle real-world challenges.
Teachers will have the choice of a docent-led tour or a self-guided, themed scavenger hunt through the galleries to complete the experience.
Duration: 75 minutes
How do you design a lighthouse that can keep shining when conditions get tough? Students will connect maritime history, navigation, climate science, and engineering as they investigate the role of lighthouses and take on a collaborative design challenge inspired by the work of civil engineers, electricians, and architects.
Lighting the Way: Lighthouse History
Students will explore the history and use of lighthouses and their role in protecting mariners and supporting ocean navigation.
Investigating Climate Impacts
Students will examine a case study involving climate impacts affecting a famous lighthouse.
Engineer a Lighthouse
Students will work together to engineer their own lighthouse that can withstand the same conditions. Civil engineers, electricians, and architects are just some of the roles students will take on in this hands-on program.
Learning Objectives
- Students will identify the unique qualities that make lighthouses useful, including light, sound, and visual design.
- Students will practice career exploration by identifying challenges civil engineers face, such as design planning and environmental factors affecting existing structures, and operating a basic circuit as an electrician.
- Students will demonstrate effective communication skills by working as a team to design, construct, and test a working lighthouse under time and parameter constraints.
Science (VDOE 2018):
- Elementary: 5.1 (a, b, c, d); 5.2 (c); 5.4 (a, b, d); 5.5 (d); 5.9 (c)
Next Generation Science Standards:
- Elementary: 3-5-ETS1-1, 2, 3
Pricing:
Payment can be made before the program, or we can invoice following your program.
- Programs at the Museum are $4.50 per student.
All adults accompanying a field trip are free. - Programs at your location are $4.50 per student.
- Virtual education programs are $125 per program.
Reservations are required for all programs and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs fill quickly in the fall and spring, so make your reservations a minimum of two weeks in advance.
Need some questions answered?
Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have, or recommend the best program for your class.
Call or email our Education team:
[email protected]
(757) 591-7745
