Carolyn C. Smith
Our Changing Harbor
Objectives
The students will be able to:
-
1. Tell how the harbor has been filled to provide more land space.
-
2. Identify the channels of the harbor.
-
3. Tell how wide and deep the channels have been dredged in recent years.
Vocabulary
dredge, surficial, channel, geology, and navigation
Materials Needed
Surficial geology map of New Haven, outline map and a navigational chart of the harbor, pencil, and crayolas.
Procedures
Ask the students what happens if their drainpipes become clogged or if the gutters around their house are not cleaned out periodically? Have the students locate and label the channels of the harbor. Compare how the harbor has changed through the years. Discuss how the land area near the harbor has increased. Discuss the purposes of the changes in size. (Ex. To construct I-95, industries along the shore, etc.). Use the navigational chart to show where dredging has taken place. Have the students identify the points where some of the buildings have been constructed due to added land space.
Questions for Discussion
-
1. How wide was the harbor in 1900? 1950? 1983?
-
2. Why is it necessary to dredge the channels of the harbor?
-
3. Should industries be constructed near water? Why or Why not?
Related Activities
-
1. Collect and display articles related to improved plannings for the city and the harbor.
-
2. Have a mock meeting of the Planning Committee to discuss their readings.
Field Trip
A trip to Lighthouse Park will enable the students to get a good view of the outer and inner harbor.