The USS Alligator Explorer's Club, an educational group developed by Nauticus, The National Maritime Center in Norfolk, Virginia is a highly unique program used to teach a multi-disciplinary approach of scientific method, inquiry, and problem solving, using the loss of the USS Alligator as the learning example. Lesson plans include: History, Tides & Currents, Technology/Exploration, Weather, Sedimentation, Chart Interpretation, Water Pressure, corrosion/ Conservation/ Preservation, and Presentation skills.

The programs, labs and worksheets were developed with Virginia's standards of Learning (SOL's) in mind. These plans can be easily cross referenced to meet your states requirements.

The Explorers Club uses unique experiences to reinforce lesson plans. Fieldtrips and activities can be adapted to fit your local surroundings. This unique experience can be done anywhere, just use your imagination. The USS Alligator is a fascinating part of our history and this club is an exciting venture. These lesson plans will be integrated into the On Demand educational programs of the expedition. Please follow our hunt and learn at the same time!

Lessons to be Learned

• Bathymetry (pdf, 172KB)
• Sedimentation (pdf, 152KB)
• Weather (pdf, 96KB)
• Pressure(pdf, 112KB)
• History-U.S and World(pdf, 144KB)
• Conservation/Corrosion(pdf, 136KB)
• Technology(pdf, 104KB)
• Tides and Currents (pdf, 136KB)
• Chart Interpretation (pdf, 216KB)