CEO Corner
Updates from Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is the President & CEO of the Pacific Battleship Center, home of the Battleship IOWA, LA Fleet Week, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy. A purpose-driven leader and storyteller, he shares updates and insights from one of the nation’s most innovative nonprofit organizations. His writing explores leadership, community, and culture — connecting lessons from the deck plate to the boardroom while highlighting the people, progress, and purpose that continue to drive the mission forward.
Newest Updates
Lesson Plan: Simple as a Piece of Pi
Simple as a Piece of Pi In this lesson plan, students will use data on the circumference and diameter of various objects to calculate pi. The exciting aspect of this lesson is that no matter the size or nature of the circular objects measured, the ratio of the circumference to the diameter will come out the same: pi! Grades: 6-8 Disciplines: Math Download Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Under Pressure
Under Pressure The history of naval communication relies heavily on the non-verbal and multi-sensory. Stripes or stars on an officer’s uniform automatically dictated an enlisted man’s actions, flashing lights relayed invaluable information to a landing pilot, and bells signaled between ships through an otherwise impenetrable fog. In this program, students will create a non-traditional form of communication, and in turn practice the basics of coding. They will direct another student through a...
Lesson Plan: A Dot and Dash, a Ping and a Flash
A Dot and Dash, a Ping and a Flash The history of naval communication relies heavily on the non-verbal and multi-sensory. Stripes or stars on an officer’s uniform automatically dictated an enlisted man’s actions, flashing lights relayed invaluable information to a landing pilot, and bells signaled between ships through an otherwise impenetrable fog. In this program, students will create a non-traditional form of communication, and in turn practice the basics of coding. They will direct another...
Lesson Plan: How to Be a Great Navigator
How to Be a Great Navigator Description: Students explore historical navigation methods including dead reckoning and celestial navigation. Activities include using vector analysis and measuring angles to Polaris, emphasizing the role of mathematics and observation in navigation. Grades: 6, 7, 8 Disciplines: Geography, Math, Science Download Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Cook For a Submarine Fleet
Cook For a Submarine Fleet Description: In this math-based activity, students calculate food supply needs for different submarine deployments. They apply proportional reasoning and unit rate calculations, select real military recipes, and analyze large-scale food logistics. Grades: 7 Disciplines: Math Download Cook For a Submarine Fleet Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Christmas Dinner 1944
Christmas Dinner 1944 Description: Through math problems, students calculate the quantity of food needed to serve a 1944-style holiday dinner aboard a battleship. Tasks include scaling recipes for ham, cranberry sauce, and Thousand Island dressing based on crew size. Grades: 5, 6 Disciplines: Math Download "Christmas Dinner 1944" Lesson Plans
Lesson Plan: As American as Apple Pie
As American as Apple Pie Description: Students use ratio and proportion skills to scale a 1940s apple pie recipe to feed the entire crew aboard the Battleship Iowa — over 2,700 personnel. Includes discussions on unit conversions, scaling recipes, and historic naval cooking. Grades: 6, 7, 8 Disciplines: Math Download "As American As Apple Pie" Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Are We There Yet?
Are We There Yet? Description: Students practice identifying countries using latitude and longitude coordinates, helping to reinforce geographic knowledge and spatial awareness. The activity includes decoding a riddle and optional coordinate Bingo for engagement. Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Disciplines: Science, Social Studies Download "Are We There Yet?" Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan: Across the Pole
Across the Pole Description: Students calculate speed, distance, and time to recreate a historic voyage of the USS Nautilus across the North Pole using real navigation data. It reinforces practical application of the formula s = d/t in a real-world naval context. Grades: 7, 8 Disciplines: Science Download Across the Pole Lesson Plan
MVA Inquiry
Contact Us (Military & Veterans Affairs) Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or family member, we're here to support you. Reach out to connect with our team, access resources, or learn more about programs dedicated to honoring and empowering those who serve.Contact Email: veterans@labattleship.comPhone: 877-446-9261 ext. 762
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