Last updated: July 20, 2026
Lesson Plan
Putting It All Together: Hercules STEAM Unit Lesson 8
Line drawings of the steamship Hercules from a 1989 survey by Tri-Coastal Marine.
National Park Service
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- Common Core Standards:
- 4.SL.1
- State Standards:
- 4-PS3-2: Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
- Thinking Skills:
- Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts.
Essential Question
What is the energy transfer of Hercules and how is the ship powered?
Objective
Students will be able to develop a diagram explaining the energy transfer of Hercules and describe how the ship is powered.
Background
Teacher should review card deck answer key for comprehension.
Preparation
Print cards (1 set per partner group) and worksheets (1 per student).
Materials
A partnered activity to investigate and explain energy transfer on the steamship Hercules.
Download Card Deck (Print for Activity)
A writing activity to determine the correct theory of how Hercules moved and explain student's reasoning.
Lesson Hook/Preview
Work together to determine the role energy transfer plays in the power and motion of a historic steamship!
Procedure
- Put students in partners. Give partners card deck and explain that they will be using the cards to show how energy is transferred so that Hercules can travel.
- When partners think they are done, prompt them to present their thinking to adults in the classroom.
- If students finish early, prompt them to check other students’ cards.
- Review “What questions do you have?” from Day 1. Reflect on students’ growth.
- Have students fill out Science Probe. Discuss thinking and proof.