General Description

    During the 19th century America went through a period of rapid growth and expansion.  This growth would not have been possible without the use of canals.
    The Lehigh Canal had a significant impact on the growth and development of the Lehigh Valley.  In this lesson students will learn how the canal affected the daily lives of people in the area.
    This lesson is designed for 6-8th grade students to fulfill local  history requirements.  It is recommended that the lesson be used to prepare students for a field trip to the canal if possible.

Learning Objectives
 

• The students will understand how canals were necessary for westward migration and the growth of America.
• The students will understand the importance of Anthracite coal to the region, the state, and the nation.
• The students will understand why the Lehigh Canal was needed.
• The students will understand the role of the Lehigh Canal in the growth of the Lehigh Valley.
• The students will understand that the Lehigh Canal continues to be important to the Lehigh Valley as a source of recreation.

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