From Albany to Buffalo

The Erie Canal Era in New York

Author: Mal Cutaiar, Marjorie Light, Barbara Napper, Luther Weisman

Grade Level: Grade Seven

Overview:This unit focuses on the building of the Erie Canal and its impact on both the United States and New York State. Through a series of literature pieces, utilization of primary document sources, video segments, guest speakers and a variety of activities, students will discover how the canal helped New York become the Empire State and New York City to become the largest city in the country.

Connection to NYS Learning Standards: ELA: Standard 1 Language for Information and Understanding, Standard 2 Literary Response and Expression, Standard 3 Critical Analysis and Evaluation; Social Studies: Standard 1 History of New York State, Standard 3 Geography of the World; MST Standard 4 Living Environment

Connection to District Learning Standards: Critical Thinker, Lifelong Learner, Effective Communicator, Responsible Citizen.