Kenan Fellows
Let's Learn About Stewardship and River Basins
What does it mean to be a good steward? Middle school environmentalists learn to care for their state's waterways through research, a guest speaker, and poster activity. Groups must locate and learn more about a river basin and the human...
Curated OER
Keeping our Water Clean
Second graders discuss how our actions impact the quality of water. In this environmental science instructional activity, 2nd graders watch a short film and discuss the problem of polluted water. Students are then divided into groups and...
Curated OER
British Waterways
Design a canal boat fleet by having students research canal boats and their original coloring. They will then work individually to create a 21st century design for a fleet of canal boats. Note: This is a UK lesson with great ideas that...
Curated OER
Out & About: Waterways
Students visit science museums. For this hands-on science lesson, students visit the Leith Conservation Trust, Catalyst, and the River and Rowing Museum in person or online to study Britain's waterways.
Curated OER
Where Do Canadians Live?
Students investigate Canadian people by researching the geography of the country. In this world geography lesson, students identify locations within Canada with large populations based on their access to waterways. Students view and...
Curated OER
Who Dirtied the Water?
Students develop a greater understanding and concern for the plight of our coastal waterways. Students begin to recognize that we are all partially responsible for water pollution.
Curated OER
Postcards from California: A Unit on Geography, Social Studies, History and California's Resources
Fourth graders examine patterns that influence population density in the various regions of California. The unit's three lessons utilize graphic organizers for the interpretation and presentation of data.
Curated OER
Precious Water: Is it a Need, a Right, or a Commodity?
Students determine whether water is a need, a right, or a commodity. For this water lesson, students investigate land and water ecosystems through activities. Students also discover water as a resource and energy source as they observe...
Curated OER
Mapping a Stream
Students map an actual local waterway. They create full color scale drawings that include windfalls, plant cover, streambed composition, and landmarks such as trees, boulders, and slumps. This is a long-term project that involves...
Curated OER
World Geography: Who am I?
Students are able to provide a basic description of one country that has arsenic in its water supply. They are able to locate these countries on a map. Students explore the majors countries that have been affected by arsenic...
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Dept. Of Natural Resources: History of Ohio's Canals
History of Ohio canals including Miami-Erie Canal and Ohio-Erie Canal.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: River Towns, River Networks
This resource provides information about communities that lived on or near water, including the canals.
Digital Public Library of America
Dpla: Two Hundred Years on the Erie Canal
Learn about the Erie Canal, one of the most famous man-made bodies of water in the world. Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected the port of New York City on the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes transforming trade, industry, and...
PBS
Pbs Teachers:japan's Secret Garden: Build a Rice Paddy
Discover the engineering skills of ancient builders. Follow the evolution of a new terraced rice paddy, a masterpiece of ancient engineering that has existed in China, the Philippines and elsewhere for as long as two millennia.
Other
The Erie Canal: Clinton's Big Ditch
Overview of the Erie Canal from its initial proposal to its completion.
Other
Illinois and Michigan Canal: A Corridor in Time
Online history of the Illinois and Michigan canal.
Other
Rochester Images: The Erie Canal
A collection of digitized images that reflect the time and life on the Erie Canal.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Lakes, Rives, & Canals
This site provides a brief introduction to the river system and canals of Ohio. Includes a history of the canal system, details and maps of the drainage throughout the state, and how the river systems are used today.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
History of the development of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which was part of the canal boom in early 1800s.
Other
St. Johns River Water Management: Games: What's Wrong With This Picture? [Pdf]
Protect the waterways in Florida by hunting for eight items in the picture that hurt the environment and then try your hand at the puzzles that follow.