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      We start by discussing what the children know about lighthouses and what they want to know. What are they? What is their purpose? Why are they so important to mariners?

      Have a variety of lighthouse literature available for the children to go through. If you are studying this subject, you may have your own collection. There are a number of good books on New England Lighthouses available at your school or public library. Ask parents if they have any resources to offer.

      Have each child choose the lighthouse they would feel most comfortable constructing. Some children may change their minds several times but they must make a final decision before research begins.

      Give each child an outline of important information that should be include in their report. Here are some examples:

height of lighthouse
date of construction
date the light was illuminated
location
color of light
fixed or occulting
Fresnel lense or beacon
visibility of light in miles
directions to lighthouse
ghost stories or interesting facts


      The children will continue to research lighthouses, gather pictures and develop a first draft of their report.

     Each day during this unit, read one story from Lighthouses of New England by Edward Rowe Snow. Also have other fiction available for the children to read such as, The Lighthouse Mystery from the Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner.



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