Matthew Fontaine Maury

In the context of American history, Matthew Fontaine Maury made a tremendous contribution with his discovery of the pathways of the seas. Therefore, the Trail Blazer of the Seas course includes learning about his contribution, and more. Trail Blazer of the Seas by Jean Lee Latham captures his history— and what gave him the notion of pathways of the sea— as a part of this course of study.

To study Matthew Fontaine Maury is to study the how an imperfect man of faith bettered the naval history of early America. Students will learn how to think deeply, become well-acquainted with the Father of Oceanography, and be inspired by the application of the Bible to life.

The Trail Blazer of the Seas course is a self-paced, online course is a pleasant way for Christian homeschooling families to experience Biblical Classical Education through a signature Classic Literature study.

Providence in Matthew Fontaine Maury’s Life

Matthew Maury witnessed God’s providence firsthand, even through some setbacks in life. And his relationship with God deepened during those “setbacks.” Also, his character was being formed for how God wanted to use him.

God’s providence doesn’t necessarily mean that things in life will go smoothly and this is something Matthew learns for himself. Additionally, Matthew is faced with two choices:

• Does he just give up because things aren’t easy?
• Or does he trust and pursue God and persevere?

It is evident that God gave specific interests and intellectual ability to Matthew Fontaine Maury. In light of this acknowledgement, Matthew considers God’s creation and applies himself to studies. As a result, he identified areas for improvement and went on to find ways to make necessary changes happen.

Matthew Fontaine Maury and the Perilous Ocean

Teaching with context involves the Greater Context and Particular Contexts. The Greater Context includes God’s intentional design of the perilous ocean— down to the paths of the seas. In this Biblical Classical literature study, students learn about God’s care and provision through His purposeful design of those paths. In addition, the Particular Contexts consist of his discoveries and contributions.

Biblical Classical discussions springboard from Reflection and Reason questions which cause students to consider things like:

• How did Matthew Maury’s Christian upbringing influence his adulthood?
• How did his belief in Biblical truths influence his discoveries in oceanography?
• Are we to have dominion over the ocean? If so, what does that look like?
• How did God design the winds to affect the ocean?
• Why is it helpful for mankind to understand the winds affect on the ocean?
• and more

Trail Blazer of the Seas Course

This self-paced, online course is a 10-week online course. This course is designed for Christian parents and kids ages 10-16.

• who Matthew Maury was
• how God used him
• the effect of his important in oceanography.

In Summary

Active and affective learners will benefit from learning about Matthew Fontaine Maury’s life and contributions to America through a Biblical worldview.