Lighthouses have stood sentinel over dangerous coastlines and hazardous shores since ancient times. Although modern technology has diminished their urgency and the keeper of the light is now obsolete, lighthouses still capture the hearts of who would preserve these beautiful structures — and they make a fascinating study! “Keepers of the Light” is a free unit study on lighthouses by Jodie Wolfe that originally appeared in Home School Enrichment Magazine.
The unit covers Bible, English, science, health, math, and art through a variety of research projects and activities including:
- Memorizing/copying Scripture pertaining to light that helps others see.
- Keeping a daily logbook.
- Investigating Fresnel lenses.
- Keeping a weather diary.
- Learning about sea creatures.
- Exploring different types of fuel.
- Tying knots.
- Researching the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
- Learning water safety.
- Calculating the wages of a lighthouse keeper.
- Drawing a lighthouse.
- Many, many more!
Further Investigation
The Fresnel Lens
More from the National Park Service about the lenses that power lighthouses.
Activities
Activity: Chart the Weather
Lots of resources for keeping a weather diary.
Summer Fun Activity: Tying Knots!
All kinds of resources for learning this skill.
Paint a Nighttime Lighthouse
Instructions for drawing a lighthouse.
Books
The Sea Shore by W.S. Furneaux
Free eBook to learn about the creatures of the sea.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop
Abbie is left in charge of keeping the lighthouse oil lamps lit when a storm hits. You’ll appreciate her bravery. Easy reader based on a true story.
Historically Famous Lighthouses
Free eBook from the United States Coast Guard.
Saved at Sea: A Lighthouse Story by Mrs. O.F. Walton
The story of a boy and his grandfather who keep the lighthouse is used as an opportunity to illustrate building on the Rock.
Unit Studies and Lesson Plans
Parent Guide: Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
Reading guide from the Smithsonian that goes with the book mentioned above that includes background information, discussion questions, and thoughtful activities.
Lenses and Lighthouses
Another activity guide from the Smithsonian.
Printables & Notebooking Pages
Lighthouse Design
Diagram of the interior of a lighthouse for notebook.
Drawing & Writing Notebooking Paper {Free Download}
Room to illustrate at the top and write descriptions or narrations underneath.
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