Set Sail on the Ohio Erie Canal

First, you and your siblings will work in groups of 4.  Each person will have to choose one of the following roles:  sibling #1, sibling #2, sibling #3 or sibling #4.  Once you have chosen which role you will take on, you will scroll down to the section subheading with your role and follow the directions. 

However, before you begin, you will all work together on the first project.  You and your siblings will create a biography poster about your father, his family and his experiences being a captain.  {NOTE: This biography will be completely fictional. You and your group will have the opportunity to create the ideal father/captain.  Here's a website that you can check out that will give you an idea about the life of an Erie Canal captain.}

�         Gather the following materials: scissors, glue, markers, poster board and stencils.

�         Find, or draw, 5 graphics that would relate to the life of your father and his experiences.  In addition, find a photograph of him to display in the middle of the poster.

�         The poster must contain all of the graphics, your father's name in large enough letters to be seen from a distance and information that is neatly organized.

�         This is your chance to be as creative as you would like when creating this character.

�         When you have finished the poster, you will search for your sibling number below and begin your individual activities.

Sibling #1

You will be researching the history of the Erie Canal via the internet.  Follow the instructions below:

1.)    Print the attachment below titled 'Sibling #1 - Canal Poster Organizer' and follow the directions on the sheet.

2.)    Use the following websites to gather information to record on your organizer:

a.       Ohio's Canal System

b.      Ohio and Erie Canal

c.       Miami and Erie Canal

3.)    You can also view the video below titled 'Canal Diggers' to gather more information.  You will be presenting this song to the class during your presentation.

4.)    Here are a few more videos to watch to give you more insight to the history of the canal.  Be sure to watch all 5 chapters of the videos in order.

5.)    Once you have completed your research, you will use this information to create an information poster about the Erie Canal.  What is the most important information that people should know about the canal?

6.)    Find and print the following:  5 or more photographs from the construction of the canal, a map of the Ohio Erie Canal and the Miami Erie Canal.

7.)    Type, or write, your information neatly and glue onto the poster, along with the photos you have gathered.

8.)    Be sure to include the title in large letters for all to see.

9.)    You will present your poster to Mom and Dad after all of your siblings have finished their assignments.

Sibling #2, #3 and #4

You will be researching various cities that have developed along the Erie Canal.  Your journey will begin at the Wilson Mill Feed Store in Cleveland.  Siblings #2, #3 and #4 will choose one of the following cities to research:  Massillon, Zanesville, Lancaster, Canal Winchester, Chillicothe, or Portsmouth.

1.)    Print the attachment below titled 'Siblings #2 - #4 Cities Along the Canal Organizer' and follow the directions on the sheet.

2.)    Use the following websites to gather information to record on your organizer:

a.       Massillon   site 1     site2     site 3

b.      Zanesville   site 1     site2     site 3

c.       Lancaster    site 1     site2     site 3

d.      Chillicothe    site 1     site2     site 3

e.      Canal Winchester    site 1    site 2      

f.        Portsmouth    site 1     site2     site 3

3.)   Once you have completed your research, you will use this information to create a travel brochure for your city.  The goal is to entice travelers to visit the city you researched and bring business to your father.  Make sure to communicate the most important information that people should know about your city.  And remember, the year is 1832, so some of the attractions may not have been open then.

4.)    Your brochure must be ONE piece of paper (you may choose the size) that is double sided, bi-folded or tri-folded.  All information must be accurate, neat and organized.  Do not forget to list the name of your city on the front of the brochure. 

5.)    Find and print 5 photographs of your city between 1800 - 1850.  These photographs may be of a particular location in your city, families enjoying themselves, buildings, the canal, etc. 

6.)    Using the information that you gathered, you will type, or neatly write, important facts and information about your city.  Don't forget to include a short summary as to why someone should visit that city.

7.)    Remember to be creative and enticing.  Try to convince the reader that your city is the best city along the canal.

8.)    You will all present your brochures to Mom and Dad after all of your siblings have finished their assignments.