Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 
Field Trip Lesson Plan
Elementary (History + Science)

LESSON TOPICS FOR BEFORE AND/OR AFTER FIELDTRIP			      
--How will tomorrow’s fieldtrip include both history and science?
--How do railroads move people and goods?
--How do river valleys provide a home for plants and animals?	

MOTIVATIONS
Before Trip:  Tomorrow you will be on a boat and a train!  Both are parts of history and science.
After Trip:  What did you enjoy most about yesterday’s fieldtrip?	

ACTIVITIES						QUESTIONS
Before Trip:  
1.  Introduce students to steam trains.
2.  Introduce students to river valleys, and
     riverboat transportation.

After Trip:
1.  Have students identify plants and 
     wildlife seen on their trip.
2.  Have students write stories about their 
     trip on the boat and train.	Before Trip:
1.  How did steam trains use to move
     people and goods?
2.  Why are steam trains not used too 
     much today?

After Trip:
1.  Why are there so many plants and
     animals along the Connecticut River?
2.  How do trains and boats provide
     transportation?

SUMMARY						ADDITIONAL LESSONS
Before Trip:  Tomorrow’s trip will include a train, a boat, and lots of plants and wildlife!
After Trip:  Railroads and boats are forms of transportation for goods and people, just like you!	1.  Transcontinental Railroad
2.  Local History (Rivers, Boats, Trains)
3.  Types of Plants and Animals	

Name:  ________________________________________

Fieldtrip

Use your eyes and find everything on the list.  Put an X next to each one you see!

1.  The Steam Train  ______
2.  The Connecticut River  ______
3.  The Castle  ______
4.  The Riverboat  _______

Now, answer the questions:

1.  What sounds does the train make?

2.  What animals have you seen?

3.  What can you see from the riverboat?

4.  On the back, draw a picture of your favorite part of the day!