Blackbeard the Pirate: The Not-So-Jolly Roger and Internet Workshop

Step 1

In the book, The Not-So-Jolly Roger, we meet Blackbeard the famous pirate.
Look carefully on pages 12-15, 21, 26 & 27, 32, 54 & 55 (and others) for information about Blackbeard.
Take notes on the information you learn about Blackbeard, and write down where the information came from (page number). Please record your information in your Data Retrieval Chart (DRC).

Step 2

You are invited to continue researching Blackbeard! As you read, think about the following questions for each section and take good notes:

Blackbeard: Pirate Terror at Sea

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pirates/bbeard.html

National Geographic for Kids

BOOM:
1. What’s going on in this section?
2. Why do you think the pirates boarded the ship?
3. Describe Blackbeard.

IT WAS A REIGN OF FEAR:
1. When would pirates typically attack ships?
2. How did Blackbeard and his crew capture ships?
a. Why would the pirates first target the sailor at the ship’s wheel?
b. How would a pirate determine a ship’s nationality?

BLACKBEARD WAS BRITISH:
1. What was Blackbeard’s real name?
2. What was Blackbeard’s life like as a young seaman?
3. Describe privateers.
4. How did Blackbeard become captain of his own ship; describe it.

MOST MERCHANT SHIPS:
1. Describe the cargo of merchant ships.
2. Describe Blackbeard.
3. What happened to the cargo ship in Charleston?
4. Why would Blackbeard have wanted a medical chest?

Blackbeard made a home base:
1. Where did Blackbeard make a home? Why?
2. Describe Blackbeard’s relationship with the colonists of NC? Why did they
tolerate him?
3. How could Blackbeard’s pirate bash have led to his demise or downfall?

SPOTSWOOD SENT TWO SLOOPS:
1. How did Blackbeard know he was trapped?
2. How did his crew react?
3. Describe Blackbeard’s “wait and see” plan.
4. How were Blackbeard and his crew finally defeated?
5. What do you think about the way Blackbeard’s story ends?

Step 3

You may also wish to check out these sites for additional information:

* http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/blackbeard/ax/main_fs.html -- National Geographic Movie about Blackbeard
* http://www.blackbeardlives.com/theplank.htm -- RealAudio or Quick Time Audio Clips from Historians Discussing Blackbeard
* http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/pirate-fame.html -- Famous Pirates (Remember Blackbeard's Real Name)
* http://www.teachshole.com/exhibit.htm -- The Story of Blackbeard

Use the (DRC) to organize your information.

Step 4

Using the information you have learned about Blackbeard, create an I POEM written from Blackbeard's perspective. Include an artistic representation.

Check out the Time Warp Trio Web Site for lesson plans!

http://72.3.253.216/teachers-parents/lessons/

Check out a possible framework for introducing your students to I POETRY.