Program Description
Students focus on the importance of the railroad to the New River Gorge and to the United States as a whole. Students visualize the challenges of railroad construction at the time of the Civil War. Through discussion, students learn that the railroad brought changes... people, jobs, mines, and lumber camps, as well as a means to transport coal, timber, and other goods out of the gorge to a national market. Whenever possible, students visit Thurmond Depot where demonstrations, hands-on activities, and role playing are part of the learning experience.
Available at:
Burnwood, Canyon Rim, Glade Creek, Grandview, and Thurmond
Grade Level:
4th – 6th
Program Length:
1.5 hours
Theme
The railroad helped to overcome a transportation barrier and open the New River Gorge to many opportunities.
Instructional Objectives:
1. List three reasons why the completion of the railroad was so important
2. List and describe jobs that were associated with the operation of the railroad
3. Explain what happened to the railroad throughout the years
Pre-visit activities are: Railroad Jargon
Riding the Rails Scavenger Hunt
Post-visit activities are: Hobos
People of the Rails
Railroad Charades
Railroad Nomenclature
Railroad Towns
Subject:
History/Social Sciences
WV Content Standards met:
History/Social Sciences- SS.4.4.3, SS.4.4.4, SS.WV.4.4, SS.WV.4.8, SS.WV.5.2, SS.WV.5.3,
SS.5.3.4, SS.5.3.5, SS.5.4.9, SS.5.5.3, SS.5.5.7
