Panama Canal Lesson Plans

Students examine American Imperialism. In this Panama Canal lesson plan, students read newspaper articles, analyze the provided handouts, and complete worksheets regarding the U.S. as an Imperial power in the 20th century.

Students explore the implications of the "Great Enterprise." In this Panama Canal instructional activity, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding President Teddy Roosevelt and Panama Canal. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the lecture and then conduct research regarding other significant American events.

Students are introduced to the geography of Central America. On a map, they route different ways to get from Spain to India. In groups, they research the development of the Panama Canal and how it shortened the trip across the Atlantic Ocean.

Students discuss route they would take to travel by ship from New York to San Francisco, find out about construction of Panama Canal, view photographs and painting of Panama Canal, and write and illustrate diary entry from viewpoint of worker building canal.

Students interpret maps. In this geography skills lesson, students examine maps of the Panama Canal and respond to questions that require them to interpret the maps. The maps are not included.

Students read an online article to explore rainforests of the world starting with the Barro Colorado reserve in the Panama Canal. They participate in a mock international summit about rainforest conservation issues.

Learners explore the historic transfer of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama, investigating how this shift might affect various aspects of Panama's economy, relations with other countries, and international trade.

Young scholars investigate the relations of the United States and the Phillipines after the Spanish American War. They use a variety of resources in order to take notes and use the information to answer key questions. Students identify different regions on a world map.

Students gain an understanding of how the executive and legislative branches, influenced by popular opinion, work toward the ratification of a treaty. They examine the influences and impact of lobbying and special interests in the legislative process.

Students explore the presidential era of Teddy Roosevelt. They read about American diplomacy in Asia, the Caribbean, and discuss the Panama Canal and the Roosevelt Corollary. As a class, students take notes and create a bubble map for reasons why the Panama Canal was built.