Social Studies  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JyoGTFQ3Es15nbTr7jQEh4LYBAUDPhYHCMfhBIW91U0/edit?usp=sharing

Navigating Growth: The Erie Canal's Impact on Settlements 

o   Students can develop a more nuanced understanding of how historical events are interconnected and impacted by numerous causes by studying the Erie Canal in the context of these social studies themes, contributing to a more comprehensive view of the past.

Essential Question:

Þ     What is the relationship between the Erie Canal and economic growth?

   Objectives (SWBAT): 

1. Comprehend the Erie Canal's historical significance in shaping transportation and settlement in the nineteenth century.

2. Understand the cause-and-effect link between the construction of the Erie Canal and the rise of settlements and trade.

3. Investigate how advancements in transportation and communication may fuel economic growth and social transformation.

o   Goals

1.   Understanding of the Erie Canal's by developing critical thinking, historical inquiry, and a respect for the interconnection of historical events 

Teaching Materiel:

Erie Canal Map

Reading Material

 Erie Canal Tour

Videos

Exit Ticket Worksheet

o   Collect supplies for the hands-on activity, such as construction paper, cardboard, glue, markers, and any other resources needed for kids to make Erie Canal models or sketches. 

Introduction -  (5 minutes)

¨   Introduce the Erie Canal to students to engage them in the issue of transportation and communication advancements.

Þ Ask Students: “Does anyone know about the history of the Eerie Canal?”

Reading and Discussion- (23 minutes) 

¨   Play read aloud book, “The Amazing Impossible Eerie Canal” by Cheryl Harness to introduce students to the Erie Canal's construction and function as a class.

   Ask Students Higher-order Thinking Questions:

1.      What advice would you give if you were one of the characters in the novel to aid with the construction of the Erie Canal?

2.      How does the narrative of the Erie Canal relate to the idea of accomplishing something seemingly impossible?

3.     Can you relate something in the story to an experience you've had or something you know?

 o   Lead a class discussion based on the read aloud to foster the understanding of the Eerie Canal (5 minutes).

o   Using the whiteboard, you will draw a cause-and-effect diagram based on the book. As a class fill out the chart.

Þ Students will engage in a cause-and-effect diagram based on what was learned from the read aloud (10 minutes)

·         (Use examples to discuss the notion of cause and effect from the book)

Hands-on Experiment – (10 minutes) (Reinforce learning via a creative and hands-on examination of the construction of the Erie Canal.

  Pair students in pairs or small groups (different level students will work together on the hands-on activity).

       Highlight the significance of crucial aspects such as locks, canals, and connecting areas.

Exit ticket question- (10 minutes). 

Þ     Pose a question to students: What were the main driving forces behind the construction of the Erie Canal? What was its influence on New York’s Economy? 

         Diagnostic Assessment: Students will answer prior knowledge question; “Does anyone know about the history of the Eerie Canal?”

·         Informal Formative Assessment: Cause and effect chart based on the read aloud, class discussions.

·      Informal Summative Assessment: Presentation of different aspects of the Eerie Canal and its influence on society and the exit slip.

References

Erie Canal Museum. (2020a). Mapping New York and the Erie Canal. https://eriecanalmuseum.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/3-4-June-Week-2.pdf

Erie Canal Museum. (2020b). Virtual Tour of the Erie Canal Museum. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atSiJVr9NK0&ab_channel=ErieCanalMuseum

the Erie canal museum. (2023). The Erie Canal. Erie Canal Museum. https://eriecanalmuseum.org/education/the-erie-canal/

Canva. (2023). Erie Canal. https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2ydHwsr4/GYQGOhtdqaq0d6JTee9ADQ/edit

ECS Math Coach Dodie Norris. (2023). The Impossible Erie Canal by Cheryl Harness. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rfCu39q5oA&ab_channel=ECSMathCoachDodieNorris

pbs. (2018b, March 28). The Impact of the Erie Canal on America. PBS Learning Media. https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ilwcny18-soc-ush-ilerie/the-impact-of-the-erie-canal-on-america/ 

Writing this social studies unit and lesson plan was a lot of work because it was new to me. However, it was a great experience to work with other students that have different strengths than I to bounce ideas off each other and to come together to be on the same page. Some challenges that I faced while writing my own lesson plan was that I could not see a teacher using this plan in the beginning to teach their class because I thought it was a hot mess. After working with my group members, now I can see why a teacher wants to use my lesson to teach their class. Something that I would do differently in the future is not give the students an online tour of the museum but take the class for an in-person tour.