Post-visit Activities

Teacher Preparation: View website prior to lesson
Time Required: To be determined by teacher
Materials/Web Resources: computer with internet connection and projection capability, or computer lab for independent study

Procedures:

1.  Go to http://www.archives.nysed.gov/projects/eriecanal/index.shtml.Students will use this site to take notes about the significance of the Erie Canal and how it has changed over time.
   
   
   1. On the left-hand side of the home page, in yellow, click on 1825. Have students read about the celebration of the opening of the Erie Canal.  Students should take notes.
   2. On the left hand side of the page, in yellow, click on 1830s. Have students read about the positive and negative impacts of the canal and take notes.
   3. On the left hand side of the page, in yellow, click on 1918. Have students read about the decline of the canal and take notes.
      
      
2. After notes have been completed, have students write about the significance of the canal and changes that took place because of its construction.

Please note: On each of these sites, teachers can create worksheets using documents from the New York State. archives. Click on Document Index, in yellow, on the left-hand side of the homepage. In addition, document-based questions are available under Questions, and there is a link for a Teacher’s Guide.

Teacher Preparation: View website prior to lesson
Time required: To be determined by teacher
Materials/Web Resources: computer with internet connection and projection capability, or computer lab for independent study

Procedure:

1. Go to:eriecanal.org/images.html. In small groups or individually, use at least one image from each of the four categories from the previous activity —excavation, aqueducts, history, and locks—to create a PowerPoint presentation or an i–movie.