It's getting closer! Our first summer teacher training institute in six years arrives this summer… July 8 to 15, 2007.
If you ever wanted hands-on experience in geography, this is one opportunity you don't want to miss!

The Erie Canal Discovery Center in Lockport.
The Grand Canal ExpERIEnce 2007 will a traveling institute. There will be two contingents - the eastern group, The Lock Tenders, and the western group, The Hoggees. The Lock Tenders will begin their journey in the Hudson Valley, emphasizing the connection of the canal to the Hudson River and New York City. They will travel north to the Capital District, and then westward along the Mohawk River. The Hoggees will start in Buffalo at the canal's western terminus on Lake Erie and work their way eastward. Both groups will join forces in Syracuse for three days of additional training and field trips.
    All teachers in New York State are welcome to apply for the institute. We especially encourage 4th and 7th grade teachers, since the Erie Canal is part of their curricula. However, this is not just a "social studies" trip, but very interdisciplinary! We will be learning about the geology and natural environment of the Empire State. There will be lessons on using literature to teach geography, as well.

    Since we are funding this ambitious project with our grant money from the National Geographic Society, almost all of the costs of the Grand Canal ExpERIEnce 2007 will be covered. Teachers will not have to pay for transportation during the institute (except getting to the home base), lodging, admission fees, boat tours, and most meals. We are expecting that the participants agree to join in all activities enthusiastically. Furthermore, we are requesting that participants either host a geographically-related workshop in their home districts or that they present at Geofest 2007 (in Little Falls).

    We are now accepting applications from interested teachers. You can download an application below by clicking on the link. It is in Word format. Please follow the directions included on the form.

This is going to be a great summer institute! We will visiting all kinds of canal-related places: museums, historic sites, canal towns, and scenic vistas. Of course, we will also be on the water. Both contingents will experience several boat tours that go through locks, narrated by experts on the canal (such as the Lil' Diamond, pictured at the top of this page). We are firming up reservations for live entertainment, as well!

Spread the word! An opportunity like this won't come this way again for many years to come! Remember…
You'll always know your neighbor. You'll always know your pal. When you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal!

---