Boat Trip

As part of the Social Studies curriculum and the study of Pennsylvania history, the 8th grade students and their teachers had the opportunity to travel to Pittsburgh on September 23rd to participate in the "Lords of the Mon" interactive learning program. The "classroom" presentation was held on the Gateway Clipper ship - "Princess". The classroom journey began with the students viewing a film entitled "Steelmaking Capital of the World" to help them visualize the city of Pittsburgh when steel was king. Discussion followed about the immigrant influence and how the ethnic background of individuals influenced jobs, social positions and the role they held in society. The presenter linked some of the steel barons of Pittsburgh, like Frick and Carnegie, to the Johnstown region when she told of how they were part of the South Fork Hunting and Fishing Club and the devastating flood that destroyed the city in 1889. As the students cruised the river, river life was discussed and they had the opportunity to see what is was like working on the river. The student volunteers had the chance to dress up like steel workers and deck hands to experience firsthand what it is like to be involved in the steel industry. It was a great day and much was learned by all.

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