A costumed educator portraying a civilian merchant and ship captain provides an introduction to this time in history, . followed by a discussion of the principal players and their points of view. An educator portraying a sailor from 1880 describes life and business on Lake Champlain in the 19th century. This historical introduction is followed by an activity that allows students to take command of their own vessel and make decisions about the route and load, and if they should travel in the type of weather forecasted. A discovery session for primary grade students in which they learn why boats float. Using a specially designed tank, the Museum Educator leads students in experiments of buoyancy and displacement, demonstrating how shape makes a difference in floating and sinking.
Students build their own foil boat and practice cargo placement.
You can help us teach kids about regional history and underwater archaeology on Lake Champlain.