The Panama Canal is one of the most impressive engineering feats in history. Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the 48-mile-long canal has been critical in enabling international trade and commerce since it was opened in 1914. Despite its importance, many students may not know much about the Panama Canal. That’s why it is crucial to teach this topic in social studies or history classes.
There are many ways to introduce the Panama Canal to students, and different teachers may have different approaches based on their teaching styles and the students’ grade levels. However, some approaches can be effective in making the topic engaging and informative.
One idea is to begin with a brief history. Teachers can explain how the idea of a canal was proposed as early as the 16th century, and how the French and Americans attempted to build the canal before the Panama Canal Company, led by American engineer John Stevens, successfully completed the project. Students can learn about Stevens’ innovations, such as the use of railroads and a new type of concrete, as well as the challenges he faced, such as tropical diseases and labor strikes.
Another approach is to describe the Panama Canal’s physical structure. This can include discussing the locks, gates, and the technology involved in raising and lowering vessels through the canal. Teachers can also explain how the canal is broader in some areas, such as the Pacific Ocean side, which leads to the creation of a lake.
Another way to teach about the Panama Canal is to explore its economic importance. Teachers can discuss how the canal has enabled international trade by providing a quicker and more cost-effective way to ship goods between the two oceans. Some of the countries that benefit from the Panama Canal include China, Japan, Korea, and the United States, among others.
To make the lessons more interactive and enjoyable, teachers can use visual aids. For example, they can use maps, videos, and images showing different aspects of the canal. Students can also get involved in hands-on activities, such as drawing or building scale models of the canal or researching and presenting on Panama’s culture, history and wildlife.
Teaching students about the Panama Canal should also include a discussion of transportation and global geography. Students can learn how to analyze and compare lands, water and air transportation systems, energy and communication infrastructures, and how these systems connect the global economy. Consequently, this can prompt individual research on other transportation modes such as rail, EVs and Maglevs.
