Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 
Field Trip Lesson Plan
Jr. High Science

AIMS						      DO NOWS
Before Trip:  Why is the Connecticut River Valley called one of the “last great places?”
After Trip:  How does modern society affect the Connecticut River?	Before Trip:  Describe any river valley.
After Trip:  Describe your experience on yesterday’s fieldtrip.	

MOTIVATIONS
Before Trip:  The Connecticut River is a National Heritage River and has been listed by The Nature Conservancy as "One of the Last Great Places.”  You will be traveling on it tomorrow!  Why is it such a spectacular area?
After Trip:  Why is the Connecticut River still so beautiful?  Why aren’t its shores surrounded by industries or large apartment buildings?	

ACTIVITIES						QUESTIONS
Before Trip:  
1.  Introduce students to the features of a
     river valley.
2.  Describe the ecosystem of the 
     Connecticut River Valley.

After Trip:
1.  Discuss the impact of technology on 
     society, both positive and negative, 
     focusing on the Connecticut River.
     Students will be able to use their field-
     trip experiences to accurately describe
     the interaction between humans and
     nature.	Before Trip:
1.  What type of water is found in the 
     Connecticut River Valley?
2.  What type of plants and wildlife are 
     found in the Connecticut River Valley?

After Trip:
1.  How does modern technology often
     affect the environment?
2.  How did people react to protect this
     area of Connecticut?

SUMMARY						HOMEWORK 
Before Trip:  The Connecticut River is a
remarkably unchanged river valley that is
home to diverse plant and wildlife.
After Trip:  There were many pros and some cons associated with modern technology.  Pollution in rivers is common.	1.  Create a journal entry of your fieldtrip.	

Science							Name:  ____________
Date:  ___________						         Field Trip

THE CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:  Pay close attention as you travel on the train and riverboat today.  Be sure to complete all of the following tasks.  Enjoy your trip!

1.	Where does the Connecticut River begin?

2.	How long is the river?

3.	What might make transportation on the river dangerous?

4.	The year is 1901.  You own a factory up the river in Hartford.  You must ship your goods to New York City on either the railroad or on a barge.  Which would you choose and why?

5.	Why is the Connecticut River Valley home to so many species of plants and animals?  

6.	Describe your trip down the river today.  How is it different than a trip down the river one hundred years ago?