Privateers in the War of 1812
This lesson will focus on the role of Nova Scotia’s privateers during the War of 1812. Students will conduct research about privateers and then complete a journal assignment. They will write from the perspective of a captain or sailor on a privateering vessel. The entries should describe a series of events including leaving port, engaging a vessel from the United States of America, the conflict and returning to port with the captured ship and its cargo.
- Use a rubric to assess the journal entries. Students could also use a rubric to complete a self-evaluation. An example of a rubric for journal entries can be found at:http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=ShowRubric&module=Rubistar&rubric_id=1165989
- Evaluate the Privateer Data Collection Sheet for completion and accuracy.
Lesson details
Grade level
Grade 7-9 (middle school)
Time required
Two sixty minute classes
Main objective
The main goal of this lesson is for students to investigate the role of privateers in Nova Scotia during the War of 1812. Through online research and teacher directed activities, students will gain a better understanding of Nova Scotia’s role in the War of 1812, analyze the life of a sailor on board a schooner such as the ‘Liverpool Pocket’, synthesize the information gathered and write a series of journal entries about capturing an American sea vessel.
Curriculum connection
Nova Scotia — Atlantic Provinces Curriculum for Social Studies: Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training (CAMET): Nova Scotia
Lesson prepared by
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
