Students investigate the concept of water permeability in order to help find the best material to line a canal. The goal is to find a material that does not allow water to escape. They also conduct an experiment and record the observations.

Fifth graders utilize a map of the I&M Canal (imbedded in this plan), and perform a series of tasks. They calculate distance, find specific points of interest and solve a set of story problems about the canal.

Eighth graders identify the major advancements that have been made in transportation throughout U.S. history (waterways, horses, steam power, railroads, automobiles, etc.) They access websites imbedded in this plan and answer questions...