Let’s Set Sail!

On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England to go to the new world! While looking for information about their preparation and journey, I found some interesting facts. Share these fun facts with your students and then check out the activity sheet link below.

  • The Mayflower originally set sail with a second ship, the Speedwell. Apparently the Speedwell was more leaky than speedy. And so they made the decision to turn around and leave the Speedwell behind.
  • Some passengers on the Speedwell were disgusted with the delay and abandoned the voyage, but other passengers stayed on and crowded aboard the Mayflower.
  • There were 102 people onboard the ship and the voyage took 66 days. 
  • The passengers lived on the gun deck, which is a small deck above the cargo hold. The height of the gun deck was only around 5 ½ feet. Cozy!

Students traditionally think about the Pilgrims in November. Shake things up by letting them know that the Pilgrims left for the new world in September! Then give students a copy of this activity sheet, prompting them to write or list what they would take for the journey. 

 

 


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