Lesson Plan
Curated OER

USS Alligator

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Student study the USS Alligator, the United States' first submarine. They describe the United States' first submarine, the USS Alligator's technology in 1862 and its voyages. A nautical vocabulary list is included for student reference.
Handout
Other

On Deck: Submarines in the Civil War

For Students 9th - 10th
The Hunley wasn't the only submarine used in the Civil War. Read this comprehensive look at the research into underwater warfare and the results of that research.
Article
University of Houston

University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 381: Civil War Submarine

For Students 9th - 10th
A short discussion about the invention of the submarine and its use by both the Confederates and the Federals in the Civil War. This is a transcript of an accompanying radio broadcast.
Handout
NOAA

Noaa: National Marine Sanctuaries: Uss Alligator

For Students 9th - 10th
A website dedicated to the engineering marvel, USS Alligator. Read a history and find blueprints of this innovative submarine. Use the topics on the left to navigate the site. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Handout
US Navy

Naval Historical Center: H. L. Hunley, Confederate Submarine

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a short article on the history of the first submarine to engage and sink a warship. Many links to information about its history, preservation and excavation. Includes original US and Confederate Navy documents.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Mysteries of the Deep: Life Sized Drawing

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Use a scale drawing of the Hunley as a model from which to draw a full-scale version of the Confederate submarine, the CSS H.L. Hunley.
Article
US Navy

Naval Historical Center: The h.l. Hunley in Historical Context

For Students 9th - 10th
An extensive history of the Confederate submarine, H.L.Hunley, the first submarine to sink a warship. Also information about two earlier prototypes.
Website
University of Houston

University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity

For Students 9th - 10th
The Engines of Our Ingenuity is a radio program that tells the story of how our culture is formed by human creativity. The program uses the record of history to reveal the way art, technology, and ideas have shaped us. Episode topics...
Activity
PBS

Pbs Teachers:mysteries of the Deep: Leaky Seal

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Investigate the mystery of the sinking of the Confederate submarine Hunley. Explore the mechanics of waterproofing a seal, and compare and contrast the effectiveness of a metal-to-metal seal versus one that uses a rubber gasket.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: America in the First World War

For Students 5th - 8th
A brief overview of the United States in the World War I era. Read about initial American neutrality, American entrance into the war, and the American homefront.