Lesson Idea | A Digital Expedition around the Great Lakes

About the Author

Gary Abud is an award-winning educator and double cornea transplant recipient who, since having his sight restored, was moved to use his teaching gifts to make science fun for kids. He lives with his family near Detroit and designs learning experiences to inspire children, like his own daughter, to love science. Gary is the 2014 recipient of the Michigan Teacher of the Year honor and author of Science With Scarlett.

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the interconnectedness of the Great Lakes water waterways system.

Description

Lesson Summary
In this lesson, students will act as digital explorers traveling through the Great Lakes using an interactive digital atlas to learn about the interconnectedness of the Great Lakes waterways.

Students will experience the magnitude of the trip that actual explorers once took to enter into the waterway from the Atlantic Ocean and traverse the paths through the five Great Lakes.

Along the way, they will identify different elements of the waterways and appreciate how this expedition relates to travel routes still used to this day. The background context that is needed for this lesson is for students to know how to access and use a digital atlas, such as Google Earth.

This lesson focuses on independent exploration using digital tools. Students will conduct their expedition with a partner and discuss their findings with other classmates. As they do this, they will familiarize themselves with the interconnectedness of the Great Lakes.

Time Allotment
1 class period

Learning Objectives
- Understand the path of waterways that lead from the Atlantic Ocean through the Great Lakes and beyond
- Know transportation features of the Great Lakes waterways, including: rivers, canals, locks and bridges.
- Use a digital model to simulate travel through the Great Lakes waterways

Supplies
- Video projection monitor or screen/speakers
- Internet access
- Student computers, laptops, or tablets
- Google Earth app
- Notebooks and pencils