Virtual Programs for K-12 Students

The C&O Canal National Historical Park is pleased to offer K-12 Virtual Programs! We invite you to make a reservation to meet virtually with a C&O Canal Park Ranger. Virtual programs require good internet connection and the ability to connect through a virtual meeting platform (i.e. Microsoft Teams). Upon making a reservation, you'll receive suggested activities related to the program topic. All virtual lesson plans have been developed in collaboration with local school teachers and support national/state learning standards.

If you are interested in scheduling a virtual program, please send us an email at [e-mail]. Check out the current list of virtual programs, see below. We look forward to serving your students!

 

The Making of a Park: How the C&O Canal became a National Park

The C&O Canal National Historical Park celebrated its 50th year as a national park in 2021! During this virtual program, rangers and students will step back in time to learn the process of the abandoned canal becoming one of the most visited national parks in America! Activities include a photo analysis, primary source document review, and interactive discussion questions.
Time: 40-60 min
Theme: What would you do to save a place you loved?
Suggested Grade Levels: 3-8
 

 

Let's Learn About Seeds

The C&O Canal National Historical Park is home to thousands of plants and animal species. Some plants are classified as rare, threatened or endangered! Plants play a vital role in the park ecosystem. As a result of this virtual program, studetns will learn about what seeds are, the four plant growth stages and how seeds travel in the park. 
Time: 30-45 min
Theme: Why are seeds important to me?
Suggested Grade Levels: K-2

 

Underground Railroad and the C&O Canal

Join a Ranger to explore the C&O Canal during the Underground Railroad, Pre-Civil War Era. Historical research has led to the discovery of primary source documents and personal experiences that help us better understand how the C&O Canal played an important role in the Undergroud Railroad as freedom seekers traveled North. 
Time: 45-60 min
Theme: Underground Railroad and the C&O Canal
Suggested Grade Levels: 3-8

 

Immigrants and the C&O Canal, from Construction to Early Operations

What role did immigrants have in building the C&O Canal? What were some of the struggles they faced when they arrived to America and to the C&O Canal? Explore the C&O Canal from construction to early operation, and discover the challenges and accomplishments of immigrants who had a part in the C&O Canal story. 
Time: 45-60 min
Theme: How did immigrants contribute to the building and operation of the C&O Canal?
Suggested Grade Levels: 3-8

 

Ask a Ranger!

If your students have been learning about the National Park Service, United States Geography, Transportation History, or another topic of interest - please consider scheduling a time for your group to meet virtually with a park ranger for an informal Question & Answer session! Prior to the virtual progarm, please send a list of student questions or topics of interest - this will help our ranger team prepare responses and digital resources to share with your class. 
Time: 30-60 min
Theme: Your Choice
Suggested Grades: K-12