My Mule Named Sal...

As we conclude our study of the Northeastern Region, the kids have been exploring the purpose and usage of canals, locks, and dams.  After all, it sure beats going all the way up to the St. Lawrence River only to backtrack hundreds of miles on a rugged river.

To help emulate this, the following website is a place for the kids to build their own lock and control the water so a boat can safely travel along the river.  Simply click on the image below to be taken to this site.

A canal lock for smaller boats

I also found this video series of a girl making her own model of a canal lock.  Part 7 is posted below, but if you'd like to watch the others, simply check out her other 6 videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XETcPsq10c&feature=share&list=UL0XETcPsq10c



Last, of course, the infamous song with commentary: