The Best Goonies Unit Study and Pirate Gold Craft!

Goonies Unit Study? Yup – buckle up pirate lovers, we have a lot of fun planned! The brainchild of cinematic genius Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a thrilling fantasy adventure film for younger audiences – although adults will find it enjoyable as well. Foreshadowing the success of the Harry Potter films, The Goonies involves a series of tests and obstacles that a group of young kids must overcome in order to save the day.

In a lot of ways, the film is like an Indiana Jones for kids – produced in such a way that kids can envision or fantasize about being in just such a situation.

Lets start our Goonies Unit Study

The film follows the exploits of a neighborhood group of kids who call themselves The Goonies. Upset that they will soon have to part ways because of the forced commercial development of their neighborhood, the kids are enjoying what they believe will be one of their last meetings together.

But while Mikey, Chunk, Mouth, and Data (the nicknames of the Goonies respectively) are exploring Mikey’s attic, they find a treasure map hidden in the back of an old picture frame. Purportedly, the map leads to the long-lost treasure of the famous pirate “One-Eyed” Willy.

Banding together with Mikey’s older brother Brandon and two neighborhood girls, Andy and Stef, the group sets out to uncover the pirate’s vast riches and thus save their homes from the wrath of the wrecking ball.

Just one problem…

But a small problem stands in their way. The treasure map’s starting point rests underneath an old abandoned house used as a hideout by the notorious Fratelli crime family. Brothers Jake and Francis, coupled with their deformed yet gentle brother and mean Mama Fratelli, are quite an intimidating force.

When the Goonies manage to uncover the entrance to the cave that harbors their treasure, Chunk is left behind. The Fratelli’s viciously interrogate the boy in an effort to find out what happened to his friends. But it takes a freak accident (spilled water falling down the hole in the fireplace) before they find One-Eyed Willy’s secret passage.

With the Fratelli family hot on their heels, the Goonies must pass through a series of mental and physical obstacles set up centuries before by pirates intent on keeping undesirables away from their precious bounty. Interspersed in the action are a number of clever and humorous one-liners that add to the overall audience enjoyment of the film.

The Treasure Actually Exists!

In the end, the kids discover One-Eyed Willy’s monstrous treasure. But can they stave off the greedy ambitions of the Fratelli family? Will they manage to save their neighborhood with the newfound treasure? You’ll have to watch to find out, and trust me, this movie is a lot of fun

Each of the stars contributes to the film in his own way. Chunk provides many moments of comic relief with his endless whining, and Data’s constant deployment of quirky homemade inventions, although stretching the limits of reality, are a welcome addition to a fantasy adventure film tailored for a young audience.

With the introduction of The Goonies DVD, an entirely new generation can discover the thrill and wonder of this instant cinema classic. Given its wide range of appeal to audiences of all ages and the exciting quest for hidden treasure, The Goonies passes the test as a definite must-see film. If you haven’t seen it, or even worse – if your children have been deprived of seeing it – then I highly recommend renting this one!

Get my Goonies Unit Study worksheet!

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Now – let’s make some Pirate’s Gold to go with our Goonies Unit Study!

If one-eyed Willie didn’t leave you a map – you can create your own treasure!

Recycle that cardboard straight out of the bin, then add some glue and gold paint to create the most valued Pirate treasure – gold coins!

Goonies Unit Study Gold Making Supplies

Recycled Cardboard – Think cereal boxes
Craft Paint – Metallic Gold and Black
Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Paintbrush
Scissors
Circle Punch – 1” diameter
Scraps of Paper
Pencil
Paper Towels
Pirate Gold Coin Pattern

Goonies Unit Study Gold Making Instructions

Step 1

Gather all supplies. Flatten cardboard boxes and cut apart at the seams with scissors. Punch a one-inch circle from a scrap of plain paper to create a patter. Cut out with scissors and trace onto the cardboard with a pencil.

Cut out circles from cardboard with scissors. Make at least twelve (or more) coins for each Pirate.

Step 2

Download and print the Pirate Gold Coin Pattern sheet for reference. Draw patterns on gold coins with a pencil and then trace with a glue gun and glue sticks. Hot or low temp glue will work for this project but pick whichever one is safest for your kiddos.

You can also use liquid craft glue, but you will have to wait for it to dry, probably overnight.

Step 3

Once the glue is dry, basecoat the top, bottom, and edges of all the cardboard and glue pirate coins with gold metallic craft paint using a paintbrush. Let dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Step 4

Apply a messy topcoat with black craft paint and then immediately wipe off the excess with paper towels. This will leave the black craft paint in the cracks and crevasses giving the gold coins an aged appearance.

Perfect for a fun party craft for a Pirate-themed birthday or an afternoon spent getting creative with the kiddos. Create special patterns for each of the kiddos, so they know which gold coins are theirs!

What other fun Pirate things can you pull in to work with this Goonies Unit Study?

We found a few fun things you can do along with our gold coins! How about making a paper bag pirate? A pirate from an empty toilet paper roll sounds cool too! We even found free printable pirate coloring pages for you! Of course, you can always create your own pirate costume to wear!

Now … what to munch on with your Goonies Unit Study? Operation $40K was a goldmine for treats with their Pirate Krispy Treats, Jolly Rodger Chocolate Covered Oreos, and even Pirate Flag Cookies! Mom and Dad could indulge in a Captain Barbosa cocktail!

Learn more about Pirates! The Bahamas: A Pirate Fans Perfect Travel Destination

The Bahamas is a magical string of 700 islands in the middle of the Caribbean that has been a popular tourist destination for decades, says AMT American Express Travel. The Bahamas is a world-renowned travel destination with a rich history. In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas.

Columbus commented on the shallow water of the sea surrounding the islands, calling the water “baja mar”. It is from these words that the name Bahama came. Since the Bahamas islands are located close to Florida they caught the attention of explorers, settlers, invaders, and traders.

Pirate History in the Bahamas

One of the most interesting things about the Bahamas is its history with pirates. Black Beard, Calico Jack and Captain Henry Morgan himself were known visitors to the Bahamian islands. 1680 to 1730 was the golden age for Bahamian pirates.

These islands made an ideal home base for pirates because of the numerous islands and islets. These were great places to hide their renegade ships and stolen treasure. The islands were also close to well-traveled trading routes, creating the perfect opportunity to plunder merchant ships.

The battles fought between pirates, merchants and other authorities often caused may casualties, especially ships. These ships often sank off the coast of the Bahamas, laden with gold, silver, and other antiquities. Spanish galleons were easy prey for pirates.

These ships carried stolen riches from the native peoples of South and Central America. Pirates would hide this treasure in the numerous limestone caves dotting the Bahamas or bury it somewhere on the miles of beaches.

Rumors of treasure still hidden in the Bahamas exist today. Pirate William Catt is supposed to have buried loot on his namesake, Cat Island. Sir Henry Morgan, who preferred the island of Andros, is said to have buried treasure throughout the many islands.

Where rumors may be false, the Bahamas certainly offers a mystique that encourages its visitors to indulge in opportunities for adventure and seclusion. American Express Vacations is beginning to offer special tours for travelers interested in highlighting famous pirate sites all over the islands of the Bahamas.