Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.
Provided by: IL Department of Natural Resources |Published on: May 1, 2025
Lesson Plans
678
Synopsis
This lesson plan allows students and teachers of Illinois to make a personal connection to the Illinois and Michigan Canal through a research project.
Students will research an important individual in the history of the Illinois and Michigan Canal to understand their impact on the creation of the canal and how it shaped the lives of Illinoisans living near the canal.
Background information that teachers may want to share with students before diving into the lesson is included.
Several website resources are listed for students to use during the research portion of the lesson.
Prerequisites
Students should have been exposed to research projects and how to go about finding information on an assigned topic.
Teachers should have enough copies of the "Student Activity Page" to pass out to students. The teacher should have an idea of which historian will be assigned to which student(s) and if the students will be completing the project independently or in a group setting.
Teachers should post the included resource websites in their Google Classroom or whatever platform their district uses so students have easy access to the website resources. Teachers should check with their technology department to make sure none of the websites are blocked before sharing with students.
Some of the website links included for research seem to be broken or moved. Teachers should check links each year before assigning the project and find new research avenues if needed.
If teachers wish to complete the extension activity regarding bringing in a local historian or a water district engineer, they should seek guidance from their district on protocols for bringing in guest speakers.
There is no rubric included for an oral or written presentation. Teachers may want to create a rubric beforehand to share with students so expectations are clearly defined before beginning the project.
Differentiation & Implementation
Teachers may want to give students different options in terms of presenting their research projects. For example, students may create a slide presentation and share orally. Students may also be given an option to create a video to share the information they gathered. Teachers can use the resources available to their students to decide which creative outlets to include as options for his/her students.
Teachers may want to expand the research project and also have students research how climate change has affected the Illinois and Michigan Canal. For example, have water levels significantly changed over time due to temperature changes?
Teachers may want to consider adding standards related to the Fine Arts when assessing students. Adding artistic elements to the project through means of presentation, such as participating in dramatic role play, drawing, creating a musical composition about their individual, etc., would allow students to explore their artistic ability.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
