Lesson Plan for Designing a Dasher
GOALS
To understand the function of the parts of a canalboat known as the "dasher" and the "nighthawker".
To include an art activity with the study of canals.
To understand the pride that a boat captain had in his work.
OBJECTIVES
* Define the canal boat terms "dasher" and "nighthawker"
* Describe the length of a typical boatman's workday
* Use color and shapes to create an original decorative design for a dasher and choose a name for a canal boat.
* Tell why the design and name were chosen by imagining what it might have been like to be a canal boat captain.
CONTENT
The following information will be included on a worksheet and in classroom discussion.
Boats on the canals of New Jersey and Pennsylvania generally fell into two categories. Company boats were those owned by the canal company, and although identified by a number, many also had unofficial names. Private boats, those owned by individuals or commercial freight companies were named.
The canals were open for navigation for at least 18 hours a day, (usually 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM) so that night operations required the use of a lantem at the bow of the boat. This large, oil headlamp was known as a "nighthawker". It was hung on a panel or board standing at the bow known as a "dasher" or "dashboard". The name originated from the front board of a carriage which protected the occupants from mud and water splashed or "dashed" up from the road, and also held lanterns.
A canal boat dasher was frequently decorated by the boat's owner or captain to show his pride in his work and his vessel- The decorations could include colored designs, the boat's name, and/or town of origin. Sometimes small flags or pennants were attached to the dasher. The illustrations on the worksheet depict Morris and Lehigh canal boat dashers.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD
A worksheet is provided which consists of the outline of a dasher, a brief text description, and photographs of actual canalboat dashers, as examples.
Teachers should review and augment the text with classroom discussion. Students may use pencils, crayons, ruler, compass, stencil, or other tools and media to decorate their own dasher. A larger dasher might also be made of cardboard. Students should be prepared to explain, either orally or in writing the meaning of their design and why it was chosen.
EVALUATION
Evaluation should be based on the grade level of the students, and may include neatness, symmetry, use of color, and the level of historical understanding expressed in the design itself or in the explanation given.
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