Have you ever wondered how ships at sea communicate with one another? Isn't it hard when everyone speaks different languages?
The International Code of Signals (ICS) is used by ships to communicate important messages! Messages can be sent using flags, signal lamps, semaphore, telegraph, and telephone! The ICS uses a standardized alphabet. Each letter and number is associated with a flag and a spoken form of the letter. For example, in the ICS system, the letter A is spoken by saying the word “Alfa”, and the letter H is spoken by saying the word “Hotel”.
At Admiralty House, we love signal flags! We are, after all, a communications museum! One of our favourite activities is making signal flag banners, where you can send your very own messages – right at home!
Things you will need:
Paper or Cardstock
Scissors
Ruler
Hole punch
Markers or Pencil Crayons or Crayons
String or Yarn or Twine
Signal Flag Chart: Available at http://tiny.cc/v3zvlz
Instructions:
1. Decide what you want your message to say and cut out a square of paper for each letter in your message. For example, when we spell “Admiralty House” we need 14 squares of paper. We usually use squares that are 10 cm x 10 cm.
2. Using the signal flag chart, colour the letters on your squares of paper. Use one square per letter!
**The letters A and B need scissors to cut out the triangle at the front!**
3. Once all your letters are ready, use a hole punch to punch two holes at the top of each flag.
4. Thread your string or twine through the holes to make a banner.
5. Hang your creation wherever you are allowed! They look great on a fireplace mantle, stair bannisters and on the wall!
Signal Flag Chart
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