Activity Overview
In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of the characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding how the person feels (or might have felt) in the main event. In addition, students can identify the challenges the person faced during the main event.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Dr. Robert D. Ballard
- Frederick Fleet
- First Officer WIlliam Murdoch
- Captain E.J Smith
- Minnie Coutts
- Willie and Neville Coutts
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in Titanic and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical/Character Traits, How Does This Person Feel About the Event, and What Challenges Does This Person Face.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of the characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding how the person feels (or might have felt) in the main event. In addition, students can identify the challenges the person faced during the main event.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Dr. Robert D. Ballard
- Frederick Fleet
- First Officer WIlliam Murdoch
- Captain E.J Smith
- Minnie Coutts
- Willie and Neville Coutts
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in Titanic and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical/Character Traits, How Does This Person Feel About the Event, and What Challenges Does This Person Face.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How Tos about The Unsinkable Wreck of the RMS Titanic Character Map
Engage students with a creative Titanic diary-writing activity
Spark imagination by having students write first-person diary entries from the perspective of a character aboard the Titanic. This helps them deepen empathy and connect personally with historical events.
Assign each student a unique character from the Titanic
Distribute character roles so each student represents someone from the Titanic, using your character map for guidance. Encourage variety to foster different viewpoints and richer classroom discussion.
Provide historical context with a brief class discussion
Review key facts about the Titanic's voyage and disaster as a class. This sets the stage for authentic diary writing and grounds students in the story’s real-life background.
Guide students to write diary entries focusing on feelings and challenges
Ask students to describe their character’s thoughts, emotions, and obstacles faced during the main event. Encourage vivid details and personal reflections to bring the experience to life.
Share and reflect on diary entries as a class
Invite students to read their entries aloud or in small groups. This builds empathy and understanding as students hear multiple perspectives from the Titanic’s story.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Unsinkable Wreck of the RMS Titanic Character Map
What is a character map for 'The Unsinkable Wreck of the RMS Titanic'?
A character map for 'The Unsinkable Wreck of the RMS Titanic' is a visual organizer that helps students identify and describe the main characters, their physical and personality traits, feelings during the main event, and the challenges they faced. It supports deeper comprehension of the story.
How do I create a Titanic character map for my students?
To create a Titanic character map, list the major characters, select a representative image or symbol for each, and fill in boxes for their traits, feelings during the event, and key challenges. Encourage students to use colors, poses, and backgrounds that fit each character's story role.
Who are the main characters to include in a Titanic character map for grades 4-5?
The main characters to include are Dr. Robert D. Ballard, Frederick Fleet, First Officer William Murdoch, Captain E.J. Smith, Minnie Coutts, and Willie and Neville Coutts. Each played a significant role during the Titanic story or its discovery.
What traits or details should students focus on when mapping Titanic characters?
Students should focus on both physical traits (appearance, age) and character traits (bravery, leadership), as well as how each character felt about the main event and the unique challenges they faced during the Titanic disaster.
Why is creating a character map helpful for understanding 'The Unsinkable Wreck of the RMS Titanic'?
Creating a character map helps students organize information, recognize character motivations, and connect emotionally with the story. It enhances reading comprehension and supports higher-level thinking about the Titanic's events and people involved.
More Storyboard That Activities
Unsinkable Wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic, The
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