Come Back to Nature in the Keys

Marine Archeologists � There have been many shipwrecks in the Florida Keys especially in the area between Key West and Dry Tortugas.   The addition of lighthouses along the Keys� reefs has helped to keep sea travel safer.  You will research the history of shipwrecks and salvage operations in the keys, the Shipwreck Trail as well as the building of lighthouses along the reef.  Each marine archeologist will be assigned one of four topic areas.  Research the assigned area using the provided resource links, keeping a detailed journal that includes pictorial information using your group�s blogger account and using the following questions as a guide to writing your journal entries.

Marine Archeologist 1 � Research the history of the Florida Keys Reef Lights
� What are the Florida Keys Reef Lights?
� When was each lighthouse built?
� Where are they located?
� What are the names of these lighthouses and why were they given these names?
� Which lighthouses are still operating?
� What are some other lighthouses that can be found in the Keys?

Marine Archeologist 2 � Research the Shipwrecks of the Florida Keys
� What are some of the reasons why so many ships lie on the bottom of the sea?
� What are the nine sites on the Shipwreck Trail?
� Which of the nine ships were purposely sunk to create an artificial reef?
� Give a brief history of each of the nine vessels.
     
Marine Archeologist 3 - Research the Shipwrecks Trail of the Florida Keys
Shipwrecks become artificial reefs, providing a special setting for the brightly colored tropical fish and marine life.
� Briefly describe the archeology of each of the nine vessels on the trail.
� List the types of marine life commonly seen at each of these sites.
  
 Marine Archeologist 4 � Research the History of Wrecking
� What is meant by �wrecking�?
� Who were the first salvagers or �wreckers?�
� How was the settlement of salvage claims done?
� What other work did wreckers do while waiting for wrecks to occur?
� What were some of the provisions of the Territory of Florida�s wrecking act passed on July 4, 1823 by its legislature?
� What did the Federal Wrecking Act of March 3, 1825 provide?
� Who is Mel Fisher? What were some of his salvage successes?