River As a Classroom

Description

Grades 5-8

How has industrialization affected our waterways? This program focuses on the dramatic impact the American Industrial Revolution has had on our environment.

Activities include:

1. Traveling by boat in canals that powered Lowell or on the Merrimack River (when flow rates permit)
2. Participating in a water chemistry lab which demonstrates pollution and cleaning techniques
3. Learning how the river and canals were used for transportation and power
4. Determining water quality from collected data and observations
5. Interpreting historical and current maps.
   

Scheduling and Reservations

Maximum number per group: 27 people, including adults; preference given to two classes from the same school on any day. 

$280 per program

Program available September - October and May - June (call for specific dates).

(Note: Schools must arrange to keep buses in Lowell for use during this program.)

Programs may be reserved now for dates during the 2011-2012 school year by calling Lowell National Historical Park at 978-970-5000. Please see our curriculum pages for information about our curriculum packets with pre- and post-visit activities. Tsongas Center has been approved for PASS Program funding support; contact your local cultural council.

Resources

Download the River as a Classroom Activity Guide (PDF).

All of our programs have been reviewed to ensure their relevance to state and national standards. View how this program ties to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.