Objectives |
| 1. Learn proper care of canoes.
2. Learn how to navigate a canoe on a lake/river.
3. Use the river to teach history or science depending on needs. |
ND Standards Addressed |
| |
MN Standards Addressed |
| SC Life Science |
MB Standards Addressed |
| |
Time Requirement |
| 3 Days |
Procedure/Outline |
| 1. Learn proper parts of a canoe.
2. Learn how to navigate a canoe using proper paddling strokes.
3. Use of a personal flotation device.
4. Be able to paddle a canoe individually and with a partner.
5. Put a canoe in and take a canoe out of a body of water properly.
6. There are a variety of uses with a canoe academically. From a historical perspective you can use the canoes in conjunction with a discussion on the fur trade. Find out the distances that were covered in canoes and let the students attempt a mile or so on the river to get a better understanding of the physical exertion needed. Have the students portage the canoes. There are many ways to use the canoes from a science perspective also. When discussing soils the students will generally be able to find erosional (cutout) areas on a river bank that will show soil layers as well as root structures. You can do a lot with tree identification as well as wildlife identification while on the river. You can use the canoes to help explain river hydrology and the dynamics of flow. Depending on grade level you can have the students journal after canoeing and explain with a little better understanind of what life as a voyageur must have been like. |
Modifications/Adatption/Extensions |
| Certain modifications will have to be made if students have limitations that would prevent them from getting into canoes. Those students may be able to videotape from shore however. |
Assessments |
| 1. Students can demonstrate their paddling proficiency to you on land and in the water.
2. Students can navigate a course on the river.
3. Students can turn in assignments in conjunction with classroom activities as mentioned in procedures. |
Other Comments |
| The possibilities of canoes are almost limitless. It is a healthy activity that gets students out into nature. It can make classroom lessons come to "life". There has to be proper instruction and safeguards that may vary from school to school for liability reasons. Consult your principal before attempting. |
