As Americans headed west, it was vital to find more efficient ways to travel and transport goods and raw materials.  Over the next couple of weeks, students will examine how the creation of canals, changed the way people and materials traveled.  Students will see how the system of locks worked to elevate the barges and make transportation by water (which once seemed impossible) possible. 

Students will also examine the B&O Railroad and the impacts trains and the invention of the steam engine had on transportation.  Remember, with all changes result in consequences (positive and negative).