Now Where Do We Place the Fort?

OBJECTIVES:

The students will:

1. determine the best location for a fort to defend Baltimore's harbor from attack.

2. defend their choice by using evidence they determine from their research.

MATERIALS: Map of the Patapsco River

ACTIVITIES:

1. Divide the students into cooperative groups and distribute the map of the Patapsco River. Using what the students learned from the previous lesson, have them brainstorm reasons why the people of Baltimore wanted to build a fort. Ask the students to pretend that they are members of a search committee charged with finding the best location for a fort to defend Baltimore. The group will determine the location which meets the following requirements:

	1. may be supplied by land,
	2. may prevent ships from getting close to any part of Baltimore's harbor,
	3. and may spot enemy ships approaching Baltimore from any direction.

Have the students place a star on the spot selected.

2. The groups will each present their choice to the entire class, along with reasons supporting their decisions. Bring the class to a consensus regarding the best site for a fort. Show the students the actual location of Fort McHenry. Compare and discuss the class choice with that of Baltimore's actual site selection committee.

Lesson #3: Now Where Do We Place the Fort?

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