Sing and Explore The Erie Canal!
Please make sure to scroll down and open my PowerPoint
Appropriate age range/grade level for the unit:
Grade:4
The instructional objectives/goals of each lesson:
-Students will be able to sing the low bridge song.
- Students will be able to understand the key ideas of the song low bridge.
- Students will be able to understand the benefits of using water to transport goods.
- Students will understand the succession of types of transportation (from using animals to steam then gasoline/diesel).
- Students will know how long the earliest Erie Canal is.
- Students will know what barges are.
- Students will know who wrote the Low Bridge song.
- Students will know when the song Low Bridge was written.
- Students will know why the song was named Low Bridge.
- Students will know what a mule would do when boat is going through a lock.
- Students will know how long a mule can travel before they would need a break.
Essential Question(s) this lesson addresses:
How did the boat move before diesel or Gasoline was used as fuel?
How long was the original Erie Canal and which city did the canal start?
Which city did the canal end up?
Why use the water to transport things?
What is the title of the song (Low Bridge)?
Who wrote the song Low Bridge?
When was the song Low Bridge written?
What are Barges?
What are Barges filled with?
Why is the song called Low Bridge?
What do the mules do when there was a lock to pass?
The old canal we learned was 363 miles long so why does he sing 15 miles?
How long can “Sal” the mule travel before she needs to rest?
The NCSS or NY State standards each lesson addresses:
C&I New York State Standards
Standard 1
History of the United States and New York use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States and New York.
The NCSS Standards
Standard 3. PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS
Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of people, places, and environments.
Materials/Resources needed for each lesson:
- Web organizer worksheet for each student- Picture of mules towing boats on the Erie Canal
- Pencil
- Computer
- Stereo System
Detailed description of the activities students will engage in for each lesson:
Activate Student Prior Knowledge & Introduction:
Teacher: Today we will sing and explore the Erie Canal. First, I would like to pass out a web worksheet.Use this web page to answer questions I ask during the lesson. Please write each answer not in the center of the web until I tell you to do so.
Student: (Students receive worksheet)
Teacher: Before the invention of steamships or railways they used horses to pull the boat.(See Page 1 of PowerPoint) Let's look at the timeline(See PowerPoint Page 2). First, the Erie Canal used mules and horses to haul goods, then around 1905 steamboats were used, and now we use diesel and gasoline in the boats on the Erie Canal. So, my first question that you would answer on the web is how did the boat move before diesel or gasoline was used as fuel?
Student: The boat moved by horses and mules pulling it and also the boat that used steam as fuel before diesel and gasoline were used as fuel and boats. (Students write answer on the web)
Teacher: I will pass out a different pictures I found with mules hall goods on the Erie Canal for all of you to look at. ( See PowerPoint Page 3 of the pictures I would pass out)
Student: (Students Look at Pictures)
Teacher: The Erie Canal is a Canal in New York that originally ran about 363 miles from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York, at Lake Erie. So, my second question is how long was the original Erie Canal and which city did the canal start and which city did the canal end up(See Page 4 in PowerPoint)?
Student: The Erie Canal was originally 363 miles long and it went from Albany, New York to Buffalo, New York. (Students write answer down on web worksheet)
Teacher: Why do you think the boat was better then a buggy(horse wagon) back when the Lake Erie Canal was built? (See Page 5 on PowerPoint)
Student: (Students attempt on the question)
Teacher: It is lighter and faster to carry heavy things on water because the water keeps goods floating.This way you can carry more goods at once. If you carry things on land there is no water to help hold up some of the weight. Therefore, it is heavier and you will have to carry less. Which means you will earn less money. Remember last class you were only paid for the amount of books you carried? So my third question is Why use the water to transport things?
Student: Water is easier to carry heavier goods using less energy, and it is faster than using a horse buggy. (Students write answer on web organizer sheet)
During the Lesson:
Teacher: Now let's listen to the song Low Bridge written by Thomas S. Allen in 1876-1919 Lets first listen to the song and the music video that goes with it. We will listen to two versions one with the cartoon and on that is the complete song. But before we listen to the song I would like to answer the questions What is the title of the song Who wrote the song?When was the song written?
Student: The title of the song is called Low Bridge. The song was written by Thomas S. Allen during 1876-1919. (Students write down answers. Listen and watch music video to the song)
Teacher: Now after we finished watching and listening to the song lets read the lyrics together.
Student &Teacher:
I've got an old mule and her name is Sal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
We've hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way we know
From Albany to Buffalo
Teacher: My fifth question for you is about the barges. What are barges and what are they filled with?Hint: Look at the lyrics and try to make an educated guess about what a barge is.
Student: It is a container of some sort because it says in the song it is filled will lumber, coal and hay.
Teacher: Yes a barge is a flat-bottomed boat, built to transport heavy goods on the Erie Canal using mules to pull it while it walks on a two path. Now lets read next passage together.
Student &Teacher:
Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal
We'd better look 'round for a job old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
'Cause you bet your life I'd never part with Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Git up there mule, here comes a lock
Teacher: This verse that you just read about get up there mule means that the mule would climb up nest to where the lock is and the mule would rest and wait until the boat finishes going through the lock and the mule continues to pull the boat again. Let's continue reading.
Student &Teacher:
We'll make Rome 'bout six o'clock
One more trip and back we'll go
Right back home to Buffalo
Teacher: Now my 6th question to you is why is the song called "Low Bridge"? Hint: Question#6: Why is the song What happened in the cartoon music video when the boat had to go under a bridge?Student: I saw just now on the music video when they sang Long Bridge everybody down the people on the boat ducked. So I think that is why this song was given the title "Low Bridge" (Student writes down answer on web organizer.)
Teacher: My seventh questions to you is what does the mules do when there was a lock to pass?
Student: The mule would climb up nest to where the lock is and the mule would rest and wait until the boat finishes going through the lock and the mule continues to pull the boat again.(Student writes down answer on web organizer.)
Student &Teacher:
Oh, where would I be if I lost my pal?
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Oh, I'd like to see a mule as good as Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
A friend of mine once got her sore
Now he's got a busted jaw,
'Cause she let fly with her iron toe,
And kicked him in to Buffalo.
Student &Teacher:
Don't have to call when I want my Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She trots from her stall like a good old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
I eat my meals with Sal each day
I eat beef and she eats hay
And she ain't so slow if you want to know
She put the "Buff" in Buffalo
Teacher: My eighth question to all of you is we learned was 363 miles long so why does he sing 15 miles?
Hint: How long can “Sal” the mule travel before she needs to rest?
Student: Sal the mule might need to rest after walking 15 miles because 15 miles is very long to walk.
(Student writes down answer on web organizer.)
Conclude Class:
Teacher: Now let’s sing the song one time before end of class please hand you worksheet to me as your exit ticket.
Student: (Students sing song with lyrics.)
Assessments: (See Assessment Page Under Overview Tab For Detail About Assessment)
- See web organizer worksheet after three music videos and PowerPoint
- Actively participating during class and engaging in content being taught and learned during the lesson.
-Actively participating in singing song Low Bridge
-Actively participating in reading and understanding song lyrics of Low Bridge
_______out of 10 Points
- Worksheet "Web organizer worksheet"
_______out of 10 Points
-How did the boat move before diesel or Gasoline was used as fuel?
-How long was the original Erie Canal and which city did the canal start?
-Which city did the canal end up?
-Why use the water to transport things?
-What is the title of the song (Low Bridge)?
-Who wrote the song Low Bridge?
-When was the song Low Bridge written?
-What are Barges?
-What are Barges filled with?
-Why is the song called Low Bridge?
-What does the mules do when there was a lock to pass?
-The old canal we learned was 363 miles long so why does he sing 15 miles?
-How long can “Sal” the mule travel before she needs to rest?
Total Points in lesson earned: _______out of 20 Points
Grade:4
The instructional objectives/goals of each lesson:
-Students will be able to sing the low bridge song.
- Students will be able to understand the key ideas of the song low bridge.
- Students will be able to understand the benefits of using water to transport goods.
- Students will understand the succession of types of transportation (from using animals to steam then gasoline/diesel).
- Students will know how long the earliest Erie Canal is.
- Students will know what barges are.
- Students will know who wrote the Low Bridge song.
- Students will know when the song Low Bridge was written.
- Students will know why the song was named Low Bridge.
- Students will know what a mule would do when boat is going through a lock.
- Students will know how long a mule can travel before they would need a break.
Essential Question(s) this lesson addresses:
How did the boat move before diesel or Gasoline was used as fuel?
How long was the original Erie Canal and which city did the canal start?
Which city did the canal end up?
Why use the water to transport things?
What is the title of the song (Low Bridge)?
Who wrote the song Low Bridge?
When was the song Low Bridge written?
What are Barges?
What are Barges filled with?
Why is the song called Low Bridge?
What do the mules do when there was a lock to pass?
The old canal we learned was 363 miles long so why does he sing 15 miles?
How long can “Sal” the mule travel before she needs to rest?
The NCSS or NY State standards each lesson addresses:
C&I New York State Standards
Standard 1
History of the United States and New York use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States and New York.
The NCSS Standards
Standard 3. PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS
Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of people, places, and environments.
Materials/Resources needed for each lesson:
- Web organizer worksheet for each student- Picture of mules towing boats on the Erie Canal
- Pencil
- Computer
- Stereo System
Detailed description of the activities students will engage in for each lesson:
Activate Student Prior Knowledge & Introduction:
Teacher: Today we will sing and explore the Erie Canal. First, I would like to pass out a web worksheet.Use this web page to answer questions I ask during the lesson. Please write each answer not in the center of the web until I tell you to do so.
Student: (Students receive worksheet)
Teacher: Before the invention of steamships or railways they used horses to pull the boat.(See Page 1 of PowerPoint) Let's look at the timeline(See PowerPoint Page 2). First, the Erie Canal used mules and horses to haul goods, then around 1905 steamboats were used, and now we use diesel and gasoline in the boats on the Erie Canal. So, my first question that you would answer on the web is how did the boat move before diesel or gasoline was used as fuel?
Student: The boat moved by horses and mules pulling it and also the boat that used steam as fuel before diesel and gasoline were used as fuel and boats. (Students write answer on the web)
Teacher: I will pass out a different pictures I found with mules hall goods on the Erie Canal for all of you to look at. ( See PowerPoint Page 3 of the pictures I would pass out)
Student: (Students Look at Pictures)
Teacher: The Erie Canal is a Canal in New York that originally ran about 363 miles from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York, at Lake Erie. So, my second question is how long was the original Erie Canal and which city did the canal start and which city did the canal end up(See Page 4 in PowerPoint)?
Student: The Erie Canal was originally 363 miles long and it went from Albany, New York to Buffalo, New York. (Students write answer down on web worksheet)
Teacher: Why do you think the boat was better then a buggy(horse wagon) back when the Lake Erie Canal was built? (See Page 5 on PowerPoint)
Student: (Students attempt on the question)
Teacher: It is lighter and faster to carry heavy things on water because the water keeps goods floating.This way you can carry more goods at once. If you carry things on land there is no water to help hold up some of the weight. Therefore, it is heavier and you will have to carry less. Which means you will earn less money. Remember last class you were only paid for the amount of books you carried? So my third question is Why use the water to transport things?
Student: Water is easier to carry heavier goods using less energy, and it is faster than using a horse buggy. (Students write answer on web organizer sheet)
During the Lesson:
Teacher: Now let's listen to the song Low Bridge written by Thomas S. Allen in 1876-1919 Lets first listen to the song and the music video that goes with it. We will listen to two versions one with the cartoon and on that is the complete song. But before we listen to the song I would like to answer the questions What is the title of the song Who wrote the song?When was the song written?
Student: The title of the song is called Low Bridge. The song was written by Thomas S. Allen during 1876-1919. (Students write down answers. Listen and watch music video to the song)
Teacher: Now after we finished watching and listening to the song lets read the lyrics together.
Student &Teacher:
I've got an old mule and her name is Sal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
We've hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way we know
From Albany to Buffalo
Teacher: My fifth question for you is about the barges. What are barges and what are they filled with?Hint: Look at the lyrics and try to make an educated guess about what a barge is.
Student: It is a container of some sort because it says in the song it is filled will lumber, coal and hay.
Teacher: Yes a barge is a flat-bottomed boat, built to transport heavy goods on the Erie Canal using mules to pull it while it walks on a two path. Now lets read next passage together.
Student &Teacher:
Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal
We'd better look 'round for a job old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
'Cause you bet your life I'd never part with Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Git up there mule, here comes a lock
Teacher: This verse that you just read about get up there mule means that the mule would climb up nest to where the lock is and the mule would rest and wait until the boat finishes going through the lock and the mule continues to pull the boat again. Let's continue reading.
Student &Teacher:
We'll make Rome 'bout six o'clock
One more trip and back we'll go
Right back home to Buffalo
Teacher: Now my 6th question to you is why is the song called "Low Bridge"? Hint: Question#6: Why is the song What happened in the cartoon music video when the boat had to go under a bridge?Student: I saw just now on the music video when they sang Long Bridge everybody down the people on the boat ducked. So I think that is why this song was given the title "Low Bridge" (Student writes down answer on web organizer.)
Teacher: My seventh questions to you is what does the mules do when there was a lock to pass?
Student: The mule would climb up nest to where the lock is and the mule would rest and wait until the boat finishes going through the lock and the mule continues to pull the boat again.(Student writes down answer on web organizer.)
Student &Teacher:
Oh, where would I be if I lost my pal?
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Oh, I'd like to see a mule as good as Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
A friend of mine once got her sore
Now he's got a busted jaw,
'Cause she let fly with her iron toe,
And kicked him in to Buffalo.
Student &Teacher:
Don't have to call when I want my Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She trots from her stall like a good old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
I eat my meals with Sal each day
I eat beef and she eats hay
And she ain't so slow if you want to know
She put the "Buff" in Buffalo
Teacher: My eighth question to all of you is we learned was 363 miles long so why does he sing 15 miles?
Hint: How long can “Sal” the mule travel before she needs to rest?
Student: Sal the mule might need to rest after walking 15 miles because 15 miles is very long to walk.
(Student writes down answer on web organizer.)
Conclude Class:
Teacher: Now let’s sing the song one time before end of class please hand you worksheet to me as your exit ticket.
Student: (Students sing song with lyrics.)
Assessments: (See Assessment Page Under Overview Tab For Detail About Assessment)
- See web organizer worksheet after three music videos and PowerPoint
- Actively participating during class and engaging in content being taught and learned during the lesson.
-Actively participating in singing song Low Bridge
-Actively participating in reading and understanding song lyrics of Low Bridge
_______out of 10 Points
- Worksheet "Web organizer worksheet"
_______out of 10 Points
-How did the boat move before diesel or Gasoline was used as fuel?
-How long was the original Erie Canal and which city did the canal start?
-Which city did the canal end up?
-Why use the water to transport things?
-What is the title of the song (Low Bridge)?
-Who wrote the song Low Bridge?
-When was the song Low Bridge written?
-What are Barges?
-What are Barges filled with?
-Why is the song called Low Bridge?
-What does the mules do when there was a lock to pass?
-The old canal we learned was 363 miles long so why does he sing 15 miles?
-How long can “Sal” the mule travel before she needs to rest?
Total Points in lesson earned: _______out of 20 Points
| sing_and_explore_the_erie_canal_lesson_plan_three.pptx |
