This week, students from the JFK 7th Grade Honors Social Studies classes swapped their textbooks for a firsthand look at local history with an educational field trip to Erie Canal Cruises in Herkimer.
Having recently wrapped up an in-depth classroom unit on the construction, economic impact and legacy of the Erie Canal, the trip offered students a unique opportunity to see history come to life. While on the water, the honors students were able to experience the mechanics of the canal firsthand, including navigating through a historic lock system and witnessing the impressive engineering that put Upstate New York on the map in the 19th century.
This immersive experience allowed students to connect their classroom lessons to their own backyard, deepening their appreciation for the vital role our local region played in shaping American commerce and Westward expansion.
