Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 {Book Review}

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

My kids love adventure, so I was sure they would be interested in Exploring The U.S. Life-Saving Services 1878-1915 by author Rebecca Locklear. I had high hopes for thrilling adventures as I knew this organization was later incorporated into the U.S. Coast Guard, and I was not disappointed.

We received a digital copy of the book, which is directed at students in grades 4-12. It contains 120 pages of stories and activities to immerse your student into the lives of the men of the U.S. Life Saving Services.

The book contains:

• Introduction for Teachers
• Introductory Workshop
• Four Unit Workshops:
  • Life at the Station House
  • Working Together
  • The Culture of Character
  • Relevance Today
• Expanding the Life Saving Vision through the Arts
• Research Areas Relating to the U.S. Life-Saving Service
• Appendix 1 – Why did ships sink? 1870-1915
• Appendix 2 – Recipes for Food Sampling
• Glossary
• Sources
• Acknowledgments

Each unit contains fascinating stories of life during the period 1878-1915. Many of the stations were located in isolated areas and conditions would be considered primitive by today’s standards. Reading how they lived without our modern conveniences was as interesting as the rescue work they performed.

The activity suggestions were plentiful and had something for every learning style. My daughter was most interested in the cooking projects, and her brothers were happy to be taste testers. As molasses is not a staple in my pantry, they remain undecided about Gingerbread Muffins. I found them delicious.

We all really enjoyed the history of each story, and I was surprised by how many pictures the book contained. With so much information and activities, these workshops would be great for a co-op class.

You can read more about the author and sign up for her newsletter on her blog.  Click on the image below to visit the Review Crew to see how other families used Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915.