The Golden Age of PiracyAn Educator’s Guide to the Program

GRADES: 7-12

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This 30-45 minute on-site program at theOklahoma Aquarium explores the real lives of the Pirates of theCaribbean. The Golden Age of Piracy explains the harsh conditions andcutthroat life that the sailors lived and the animals that they encounteredand relied upon along the way.

*Before your class visits the Oklahoma Aquarium*

This program is designed for small groups. Our instructor will be focusedon the program; therefore, it is the responsibility of the teacher andhis/her assistants to maintain discipline and order!

This guide contains information and activities for you to use both beforeand after your visit to the Oklahoma Aquarium. You may want to readstories about pirates to the students, present information in class, orutilize some of the activities from this booklet.

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The Golden Age of PiracyTable of Contents

Golden Age of Piracy Abstract 2Educator Information 3Vocabulary 7Resources/Reference Materials 10PASS Standards 12Accompanying Activities

- Pick-a-Pirate Report 13- Truth or Myth 14- Truth or Myth Answers 15- Pirate Costume Contest 16- Treasure Map 17- “Treasure Island” Book Review 18- Pirate Slang 19- Pirate Slang Key 20- Ship Model 21- Pirate Flag 22- Swabbing Test 23- Label the Map 24

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The Golden Age of Piracy: Abstract

The name pirate conjures many images and ideas, such as, buccaneers,Brethren of the Coast, Captain Jack Sparrow, hook-hands, peg-legs,cursed gold, rum, parrots, eye patches, and songs like Yo-Ho Yo-Ho. Weromanticize the lives of pirates, but many of our preconceptions aboutpirates are pure fantasy. The truth is much more grim and dangerous;they were cruel, greedy, and put little value on life. The real history ofpirates is fascinating. This lecture will give students an honest picture ofthe “real” Pirates of the Caribbean, the oceans they lived on, theconditions they lived in, and some of the animals they encounteredeveryday. Students will learn that pirates have sailed the seven seas sincethe time of the ancient Greeks and continue to terrorize our oceans tothis day. The Golden Age of Piracy will concentrate on the years between1650 and 1730 when the Caribbean was controlled by the pirates we liketo read about today; Blackbeard, Anne Bonney and the like. During theseyears, pirates were the undisputed rulers of the Caribbean.

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The Golden Age of Piracy: Educator Information

Where is the Caribbean?The Caribbean Sea is located off of the Atlantic Ocean, partially

enclosed on the north and east by the islands of the West Indies, andbounded on the south by South America and Panama and on the west byCentral America. The Caribbean is made up of many islands, there arealso many different kinds of fish that live in the large amount of waterthat surrounds the Caribbean islands, as well as many exotic birds,monkeys and lizards. The climate in the Caribbean is very warm ortropical. The winters are mild and somewhat dry and the summers arevery hot and dry as well. The average temperature in this region is 21-29degrees (70-85 F). The Caribbean sees many storms, hurricanes are acommon occurrence.

Map provided by: www.piratesifo.com.

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Golden Age of Piracy

This “golden age” saw the greatest upswing in piracy in history. Unliketheir predecessors, the buccaneers, these pirates preyed on merchantships rather than Spanish galleons laden with gold and silver. Mostprowled the Caribbean and Atlantic coast of North America, but someplied their trade off the West Coast of Africa and in the Indian Ocean.

The height of plundering lasted almost a century from 1650-1730. Mostpirates were English (35%), but other nationalities were also represented:colonials from America-25%, colonials from the West Indies-20%, Scots-10%, Welsh-8%, and Swedish/Dutch/French/Spanish-2%. A fair number ofIslanders also joined the pirates. When Bartholomew Roberts set sail, 48Islanders served amongst his crew of 228 men. By the time of theircapture, that number had increased to 75.

The Pirates of the Golden Age were very bold, their victims usuallysurrendered. The pirates boldly declared their identity rather than engagein tactics such as the ruse de guerre. They attacked ships away from landand took their time gathering their spoils. The majority of plunder takenwasn’t gold and silver, but supplies to maintain their ships and whatevereveryday items (such as food and drink) they needed. The mostsuccessful ventures occurred when two or more pirate ships confrontedtheir prey.

Perhaps the most famous pirate, Blackbeard, was amaster at intimidation. Blackbeard carried three braces ofpistols, placed smoking hempen cord in his beard, drankrum mixed with gunpowder, and looked at people withwild, staring eyes. Mentioning his name was enough tofrighten any eighteenth-century mariner.

Pirates Code: Dress Code. Pirates were elaboratedressers, their clothing was sturdy and practical andmost of the time … stolen. They would often wear trinkets and treasuresthey had picked up from their journeys or raids, such as beads, rings,necklaces or shells. They wore short jackets made of heavy cloth, lightlinen shirts, canvass trousers cut to the knee (because long pants oftengot wet), woolen socks, a scarf or sash around their waist and over theshoulder to hold a sword and a hat for protection from the sun. Shoeswere often not worn because they were slippery on board, but when off

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the boat, they wore boots or heavy leather shoes. The captain wore moreelaborate clothing to state his rank. Red was considered a fearful colorand many pirate captains chose to wear red to provoke fear.

Parlay: Each ship had their own set of rules set by the captain. Many ruleswere similar from ship to ship such as parlay; “Any person taken captiveinto ye ship must not be harmed until presented to the Captain”. Anothercode read, “Take what ye can, give nothing back” and “Obey ye Captain.”Pirates crews would rarely break the code out of fear of the harshpunishments the captain would administer.

Letter of Marque: Some pirates were given a letter of marque that wouldpardon them from their crimes and often save their lives. This secondchance at making good of their lives almost always came with a price ofproviding a service for a Governor or King.

Ports of Call:Port Royal. Located on the coast of Jamaica, it was known as theWickedest City on Earth. Port Royal was the pirates hang out, a placewhere pirates would come to spend their new plunder on gambling,trades, food and wine. In 1692 it was destroyed by an earthquake. Somesay it was God’s judgment on an evil town. Today it’s a haven for treasurehunters and snorkeling.

Tortuga. Tortuga housed a confederation of pirates called the “Brethrenof the Coast” who would sail out to rob passing Spanish ships. It was aplace where many pirate Captains would go to recruit new pirates. Illegaltrading of goods was very popular in Tortuga.

Animals and Pirates:Animals and pirates went hand in hand. Sea turtles made for greatprovisions for longer journeys at sea. Turtle shells made for strongshields and good trade. Birds would often catch a ride across the oceanson the pirate ships. Pirates used nets to fish for lobsters, shrimp,dolphins, bonitos, mullets, tuna and other fish. While on shore, they

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would collect crabs and clams to eat. Traveling to exotic islands, pirateswould often pick up animals like geckos, monkeys, cats and birds, allgreat booty for trade. Cats proved most efficient for catching theannoying rats on board. They would also hunt for wild hogs, goats,chickens and turkeys for later meals. Pirates lived on the ocean and theyknew how to use it to their advantage. Animals were an everyday part oftheir lives and survival.

Living at Sea:Conditions: Life at sea was brutal and the mortality rate from sicknessand wounds was very high. 20-300 men lived on each ship.Weather: The high winds at sea would cause constant salt spray in the airwhich caused rough and irritated skin, and the intense light and heatfrom the sun caused severe sunburns and heat stroke.Food: Pirates drank mostly beer, rum or grog which is water and rumcombined. They ate most anything available to them (fish, beef, shipsbiscuit – a bread cracker, chicken, pork, sea turtles) which they sharedwith the insects and rats that lived on board.Jobs: Each pirate had a different job from cleaning, repairs, navigation,cooks and watchmen to look for other ships, reefs, or fishingopportunities.

Myths:Myths are a major part of pirate history. Questions about eye patches,wooden legs, hook-hands, pet parrots and monkeys, Davy Jones Locker,the Kracken, the Jolly Roger, buried treasures, and women pirates will allbe revealed when the students attend the program at the OklahomaAquarium.

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VOCABULARY:

Brethern of the Coast An unofficial group of pirates and privateerswho operated mostly out of Tortuga and PortRoyal and were more commonly known asbuccaneers.

Buccaneer A group of pirates who usually had largercrews and attacked not only ships but coastalcities. The term buccaneer has becomesynonymous with pirate.

Caribbean One of the largest seas in the world, it islocated in the Atlantic Ocean. The Caribbean isbordered by Mexico, Central America, SouthAmerica and the Antilles Islands. There aremany islands located within the Caribbean.

Cutlass A short and wide slashing sword that usuallyhas a guard on the hilt or handle. It was thesailor’s weapon of choice.

Flintlock A rifle commonly used by pirates, thegunpowder is ignited by a spark from the flint.Once the gunpowder is spent, the gun itselfwas used as a weapon.

Golden Age of A common reference to the years between thePiracy 1650’s through the 1730’s when pirates

controlled the Caribbean Sea.

Keelhaul A form of punishment where a sailor was tiedwith a rope and pulled from one side of theship along the keel or bottom to the other side.

Kraken A legendary sea monster that was believed tobe very large and capable of sinking ships. Thelegend of the Kraken was most likely based onsightings of the giant squid.

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Letter of Marque A government license that allowed privateersto legally raid the enemies vessels. Theprivateer and the government would split theprofits.

Maroon A form of punishment where a sailor is left in aremote area, such as an uninhabited island. Asa form of mercy, the sailor was often left with apistol and one bullet.

Moses Law A form of punishment where the sailor wasflogged with a whip, they would receive nomore than 40 lashes.

Navigation The science of steering and directing a vesselfrom one point to another.

New World The continents of North and South Americawhich were considered new territory byEuropean explorers.

Piracy The act of robbery or crime committed at sea.

Pirate A person who commits acts of robbery orcrime at sea without permission from agovernment.

Poach To take or kill animals illegally.

Privateer A person who commits acts of piracy with aletter of marque or permission from agovernment to raid the enemies ships andshare the profits.

Provisions The supplies necessary to prepare the ship fortravel, such as food and drink.

Ransom The act of holding someone hostage inexchange for money or goods.

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Ruse de guerre A French term meaning a strategy for war.

Scurvy A serious disease that results from a lack ofvitamin C, it will eventually cause death. Sailorswere prone to scurvy due to not eating enoughcitrus fruits.

Sovereign Nation A nation or country which governs itself and isnot dependent on another nation.

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RESOURCES:

Internet Resources:

http://blindkat.hegewisch.net/pirates/pirates.html

www.nationalgeographic.com/pirates

http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/index.html

http://www.thepiratesrealm.com/

http://www.piratesinfo.com/

www.piratemuseum.com

http://www.buccaneer.net/historypirates.htm

http://www.deadmentellnotales.com/

http://www.cindyvallar.com/piratelinks.html#Literature

Books and References:

Croce, Pat (2006) The Mammoth Book of Pirates: Over 25 True Tales of

Devilry and Daring by the Most Infamous Pirates of All Time. (Mammoth

Book of) Running Press Book Publishers

Zacks, Richard (2003) The Pirate Hunter: The True Story of Captain Kidd.

Hyperion; Reprint edition

Nelson, James L. (2004) The Only Life That Mattered: The Short and Merry

Lives of Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack. McBooks Press

Perry, Dan (2006) Blackbeard: The Real Pirate of the Caribbean. Thunder's

Mouth Press

Apestegui, Cruz (2002) Pirates in the Caribbean :1493-1720. Book Sales

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Burl, Aubrey (2006) Black Barty: The Real Pirate of the Caribbean. Sutton

Publishing

Stevenson, Robert Louis. (1883) Treasure Island. Kingfisher; 1st edition

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PASS STANDARDS MET:All education programs and their accompanying materials at theOklahoma Aquarium will meet several Oklahoma PASS objectives invarious disciplines. The following list is not all inclusive.

SCIENCE

Science Processes and Inquiry (grade 7-8) Process Standard 1 – Observe and Measure (grade 7-8) Process Standard 2 – Classify (grade 7-8) Process Standard 5 – Inquiry

Physical Science (grade 7) Standard 1 – Properties and Physical Changes in

Matter (grade 8) Standard 1 – Properties and Chemical Changes in

Matter (grade 9-12) Process Standard 1 – Observe and Measure (grade 9-12) Process Standard 2 - Classify

Life Science (grade 7) Standard 4 – Behavior and Regulations

Earth/Space Science (grade 7) Standard 5 – Structures of the Earth System

Biology (grade 9-12) Process Standard 1 – Observe and Measure (grade 9-12) Process Standard 2 – Classify (grade 9-12) Standard 4 – The Interdependence of Organisms

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Pirate Classroom Activities

Pick-a-Pirate ReportPick a famous pirate from the Golden Age of Pirates (1650-1730)

and write a 3-5 page report on him/her. Include facts about when theylived, how they became a pirate, how they died, the name of their ship,the success of their piracy or other interesting facts about them.

Edward Teach aka: Blackbeard

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Truth or MythA short quiz on the legends that surround Pirates, and their life. If thisquiz is taken before your visit to the Oklahoma Aquarium the answerswill be given during your visit. Circle Truth or Myth for each answer.

1. All pirates were males. Truth or Myth2. Some pirates actually wore eye patches. Truth or Myth3. Davy Jones was a famous Pirate Captain. Truth or Myth4. Some pirates had wooden legs. Truth or Myth5. Some pirates kept parrots as pets. Truth or Myth6. There is still a pirate problem on Truth or Myth

today’s seas.7. Walking the Plank was the most popular Truth or Myth

form of executing prisoners.8. There was more rum on board a pirate ship Truth or Myth

than fresh drinking water.9. Pirates would eat in the dark so they Truth or Myth

wouldn’t have to see the insects on the foodthey were eating.

10. All pirate’s ships flew the Jolly Roger Flag? Truth or Myth11. Blackbeard’s real name was Edward Teach. Truth or Myth12. An earthquake destroyed Port Royal. Truth or Myth13. Many pirates had hooks for hands. Truth or Myth14. “Dead Man’s Chest” means a dead man’s Truth or Myth?hidden treasure?

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Answers for Truth or Myth Quiz(If quiz is taken before your visit to the Oklahoma Aquarium the answers

to this quiz will be given during your visit.)1. Myth. There were several women pirates. Most disguised as men.

Anne Bonny and Mary Read were the most famous and successfulfemale pirates in history.

2. Truth. Pirates would navigate their ships using the sky, and staringat the sun which often left them with burned corneas. The patchprotected the little vision they had left.

3. Myth. It is not clear who Davy Jones was, there are only theories.4. Truth. Legs were often lost in battle or from disease and wood

would provide a temporary leg.5. Myth. Many pirate ships had exotic birds and parrots on board, but

they were sold because they would bring a high price.6. Truth. In many parts of the world, pirates still roam our seas.7. Myth. There is no documentation of this act ever occurring on a

pirate ship.8. Truth. Fresh water was hard to keep fresh, so pirates

preferred rum or grog.9. Truth. Weevils, roaches, and other insects would live amongst the

food, so many pirates would eat in the dark so they wouldn’t haveto see what they were eating.

10 Truth. All pirate ships on record carried and flewa Jolly Roger Flag with a death symbol on it.

11. Truth.12. Truth. Port Royal was considered the wickedest place on earth.13. Myth. A silver hook would have been too hard to come by out at

sea. So pirates who lost their hands just went without them.14. Myth. Dead Man’s Chest actually meant a “coffin” but is often

Confused with a dead man’s treasure.

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Pirate Costume Contest

The first thing one thinks of when hearing “Pirate” is to think of theclothes the pirates wore. Pirate captains dressed more elaborately thanthe others to show his rank on the ship.

Have students research the real clothes pirates once wore and thencreate and dress up as a pirate and have a class costume contest. Winnergoes to the most creative, colorful, and elaborate costume.

This exercise will evoke some history, creativity and a little fun also.

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Treasure Map

Maps in the 1700s were very hard to come by and pirates who hadthem were at a great advantage. Not many accurate maps were available.Many honest seamen, when attacked by pirates, would rather have beenrobbed of their treasures than their maps. Maps were a very valuablecommodity.

Students are to research the estimated location of a real hidden orlost treasure, and recreate a map to its location. Along with the mapprovide a description of the history of the hidden treasure.

This activity will help students with history, the understanding ofmaps, and some geography.

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“Treasure Island” Book Review

The classic tale “Treasure Island” tells of a young boy named Jim Hawkinsand his adventures with some sneaky pirates, sailing ships, buriedtreasure, exotic lands, and murderous mutiny. Author Robert LouisStevenson serves up thrills, chills, and plenty of action in this timelessand much-admired adventure novel.

Students will read Robert Louis Stevenson’s book “Treasure Island” andwrite a 2-4 page review.

This exercise will encourage students to read a classic novel.

Robert Louis Stevenson. Treasure Island. Kingfisher; 1st ed edition(September 15, 2001) ISBN-10: 0753453800

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Pirate Slang Match-Em-Up

1. Grog = _______.

2. Gully = _______.

3. Jolly Roger = ________.

4. Dead Man’s Chest = _______.

5. Booty = _______.

6. Ahoy = ________.

7. Davy Jone’s Locker = _______.

8. Rope’s end = _______.

9. Short walk in a summer stock = ________.

10. Shiver me timbers = ________.

A. To be hung by a noose.

B. Any form of loot.

C. “Hello”

D. A coffin.

E. The place at the bottom of the sea reserved for pirates.

F. Rum

G. Term for flogging.

H. An expression of surprise.

I. A knife or dagger.

J. Skull and cross bones flag flown by pirates.

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Pirate Slang Match-Em-Up Key

1. Grog = ___F____.

2. Gully = ___I____.

3. Jolly Roger = ____J____.

4. Dead Man’s Chest = ___D____.

5. Booty = ___B____.

6. Ahoy = ___C_____.

7. Davy Jones Locker = ___E____.

8. Rope’s end = ___G____.

9. Short walk in a summer stock = ____A____.

10. Shiver me timbers = ____H____.

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Ship ModelStudents can research pirate ships from the Caribbean, and build areplica of that ship. Hobby stores are good starting point!

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Pirate FlagStudents will research different Jolly Roger flags used by pirates, tryto understand their meaning and which pirate used the flag. Studentswill then reproduce the flag using their choice of material, thenpresent their flag to the class with a description of the flag and thepirate who used the flag.

Pirates had all different kinds of flags that they flew and they all haddifferent reasons for the symbols on the flags. Every flag had ameaning, and reason behind it.

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Swabbing TestStudents can conduct their own “swabbing the deck” experiment (2week project). Pirates would have to constantly swab the ship decksdue to harsh conditions from the salty sea water. The salt from theocean would soak into the wood and expand, slowly breaking apartthe ship. By swabbing the boards and removing the salt deposits, theship would last much longer.

Props needed:2 boards (any size will work but both should be the same size.)1 spray bottle. Fill with salt water ½ water and ¼ salt.Dish SoapSpongeBucket of water

Instructions:Place both boards out together. Each day spray both boards with saltwater. After ten minutes swab one board with soap and water, leavethe other board to dry without swabbing. After a few weeks theboard not being swabbed will enlarge to a great extent, it will alsowarp and discolor.

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Label Map of the Caribbean

Identify and label the islands of the Caribbean Sea.

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