Erie Canal Mini Unit- Close Reading and Writing Activities for Grades 4-6

The building of the Erie Canal is one of the most important historical events in New York State history. This student packet provides enough information for students to understand the huge impact the Erie Canal made on the state.

Students will the article included, a quote from DeWitt Clinton (the mastermind behind the canal), as well as the Erie Canal Song (Low Bridge Everybody Down) to understand just what the canal meant to New York's history.

Also included:

*Close reading questions based on the information students were asked to read.

*A graphic organizer asking students to discuss the major impacts the canal made.

*A full writing piece asking students to explain what they have learned, as well as the major issues and impacts of the Canal.

This entire project, with the writing piece takes approximately one week to complete, especially if you travel through the entire writing process.

Thanks for looking!

-Dan M.