• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

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  • Paw Paw Tunnel Towpath Open

    The rockslide at Paw Paw Tunnel towpath has been cleared. The towpath is now open for hikers and bikers.

  • Georgetown Boat Rides Suspended

    Boat rides at Georgetown are suspended until further notice. For a mule-drawn boat ride please contact Great Falls Tavern.

Curriculum Materials

These pre and post visit materials will help teachers prepare students for their visit to the park. They can be used for grades 3-5.

It is suggested to view the Journey on the C and O Canal power point before visiting the park. Other activities can be done as either pre or post visit.

Journey on the C and O Canal
Follow Michael O'Leary in 1876 as he journeys down the C&O Canal. History, maps, and historic photos help bring the canal to life.
Lesson Plan
Power Point
Power Point Teacher Notes
Vocabulary
Journal, online version
Journal, printable version

Case Studies
Engage students in critical thinking by using these case studies regarding the park.
In Need of Repairs
To Build or Not Build a Tunnel
Working on the C and O Canal

Erosion Activity
This is a teacher led on-site activity. Use these materials to prepare students for this portion of the field trip.
Earth Processes Teachers Prep
Earth Processes Definitions
Earth Processes Cushwa Basin Map
Earth Processes Observation Sheet
Flood Photos

Mapping Activity
Constructing a C and O Canal Map
Maryland Map 1
Maryland Map 2

C and O Canal Challenge
This enrichment activity incorporates all curriculum. Students work in teams on this all day project which allows for better understanding of canal operations and history. Click here

Readers Theater
Learn about Captain Myers' bad day when the Conococheague Aqueduct was breached. Click here
Conococheague Aqueduct Breach historic photos from 1920

Team Estimation
This is a math activity on estimation and analysis. Click here

Did You Know?

Drawing DaVinci's lock gate design 1485.

Transporting goods and people by canal dates back to antiquity.  The lock gates used on the C&O Canal were an adaptation of a design by Leonardo DaVinci in the late 1400's.  Until the advent of the railroad, water travel was far superior to land travel.