Year 12 - Unit 3 Underwater photograph of the James Matthews during archaeological excavations, 1976 Image copyright WA Museum In Unit 3 of the Year 12 Marine & Maritime Studies syllabus students investigate methods of locating shipwrecks, formation and decay processes, excavation and conservation of artefacts. This includes: methods of locating shipwrecks formation and decay processes associated with wreck sites underwater wreck site excavation conservation techniques The resources on the WA Museum website have been written for a variety of audiences and different purposes. To assist you in accessing this content we adopted the following key to guide you: Resource Key Level Description 1 brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles, exhibition promotional material) 2 provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language. (Includes online exhibitions, recorded lectures/podcasts) 3 lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most research articles, conference papers) METHODS OF LOCATING SHIPWRECKS Batavia Wreck Discovery Level 2, web page Students are given a short introduction to the discovery of the Batavia wreck site. Dampier's Ship Roebuck Level 2, web pages Students can read background information about William Dampier and his voyages. Followed by the international search for the wreck of Roebuck and how historical records and relics were used to aid in this search. de Freycinet's Ship L'Uranie Level 2, web pages Students can read background information about Louis de Freycinet and his voyages. Followed by the search for the L'Uranie wreck based on historical records. Rottnest Deepwater Graveyard Level 2, video The Rottnest Deepwater Graveyard has been used for the last 75 years to dispose of old unwanted ships, aircraft, munitions and military vehicles. Students can find out about the 80-100m deep site west of Rottnest, and the aerial surveys, technical diving and remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s) that have been revealing more about the area. Broken Wings Level 2, webpage Broken Wings is dedicated to the exploration, discovery, documentation, conservation and presentation of recently discovered and WWII heritage aircraft crash sites worldwide. Search for 5th Shipwreck Level 1, news article Students can read a news article about an aerial magnetometer survey that could indicate the presence of another, as yet undiscovered, historic shipwreck. MH370 aircraft search Level 2, research report Maritime archaeological analysis of two historic shipwrecks located during the MH370 aircraft search. Students can read this report to find out how these wrecks were located using sonar and how the data was analysed. FORMATION AND DECAY PROCESSES Shipwrecks and Chemistry Level 1, audio recording Students can listen to a 7 minute introductory podcast about the conservation of shipwrecks - including the biodynamic aspects of corrosion. Shipwrecks and Chemists Level 2, video In this lecture Dr Ian MacLeod will take students on a journey into the world of decay and the chemistry of corrosion and conservation of shipwrecks. UNDERWATER WRECK SITE EXCAVATION Wreck Site Excavation Level 2, web page Students can find out about the excavation of the Batavia wreck site including the Beacon Island facilities, excavation conditions and how the artefacts were recorded. Loss of Batavia Level 3, report For students looking for more in depth information they can read this comprehensive excavation report and catalogue of artefacts from the Batavia wreck written by Head of Maritime Archaeology Jeremy Green. SS Xantho Level 2, web page Background to the steam paddler SS Xantho, and students will read how the wreck was found and how the engine was removed using lift bags. Batavia Anniversary Gallery Level 1, image gallery Students can view a selection of images from the early expeditions and excavations that were shared to celebrate the 50th anniversary of discovering the wreck site (June 4th 2013). Underwater Photography Level 1, video In this video students will find out about the history, significance and advancement of underwater photography for the purposes of maritime archaeology. 2013 Dive Level 1, video In this short video students can take a dive to the wreck site in the Abrolhos Islands during the research expedition of April-May 2013. Patrick Baker Gallery 1 Level 1, image gallery Patrick Baker was the Western Australian Museum's shipwrecks photographer. In this gallery students will see photos of Patrick in field. Patrick Baker Gallery 3 Level 1, image gallery Patrick Baker was the Western Australian Museum's shipwrecks photographer. In this gallery students will see photos of the exploration and restoration of the Batavia wreck. Patrick Baker Gallery 4 Level 1, image gallery Patrick Baker was the Western Australian Museum's shipwrecks photographer. In this gallery students will see photos of maritime archaeology object and 18th century Dutch shipwrecks. CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES Zeewijk Cannon Level 1, news article A news article students can read about the deterioration of a Zeewijk cannon and what would happen if conservation treatment isn’t undertaken. Conserving Cannons Level 1, video Students will watch a video of a Museum conservator talk about the methods employed to clean up and stabilise cannons excavated off wreck sites on the Western Australian coast. In-situ Preservation of Shipwrecks Level 2, website Students can read about the unique in-situ preservation methods applied to the James Matthews shipwreck site. On-site pre-disturbance survey Level 3, report An on-site conservation pre-disturbance survey for students to read on the hull of James Matthews. SS Xantho Level 2, web page & videos The conservation and disassembly and reassembly of the engine from paddle steamer SS Xantho which students can view on display at the WA Shipwrecks Museum. HMAS Ovens Level 1, webpage Students will read a brief description of how the Museum deals with metal corrosion on the submarine which is in dry dock next to the WA Maritime Museum. ‹ Year 11 - Unit 2 Year 12 - Unit 4 - Batavia ›