Home · For Teachers · Safety on the Ocean Ranger
6-8
Safety on the Ocean Ranger
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
The Ocean Ranger Disaster
The Ocean Ranger Disaster
Subjects
Social Studies
Geography
Science
Geography
Science
Summary
Students will research and illustrate diagrams and maps detailing the weather conditions during the time of the Ocean Ranger disaster, and assess the safety regulations in place at the time.
Duration
1 to 2 lessons
Purpose
To understand how weather conditions impact the creation of relevant safety rules
Materials
drawing materials
Before Exploring
Have students research the weather patterns in the Newfoundland area, including details of wind speeds and wave heights. They may wish to record their information on an outline map of the province, or create a map to show the information.
Provide students with a picture of the Ocean Ranger oil rig, including dimensions.
Outline the Opportunity
Direct students to the Ocean Ranger Disaster topic on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Have them search the site for, and record, the weather conditions present on the day that the Ocean Ranger capsized, and on the days following the event. Students should create diagrams, maps, or other pictorial representations to describe the events leading to the capsizing, the event itself, and the failed rescue attempts that followed. Have students add a summary of the safety measures that were in place and why they failed.
Revisit and Reflect
Using the information they have gathered, students should find out what changes were made to safety regulations following the capsizing of the Ocean Ranger. They can illustrate these changes by creating safety posters to display in the classroom.
Extension
Students can write a script, write journal entries, or role-play moments in the capsizing of the Ocean Ranger. They might take on the role of the men on board the rig, the rescue crews, or the figures debating blame following the catastrophe.
