Fulton students ‘channel’ history knowledge during visit to the locks

by Submitted article | June 20, 2014 1:12 pm

Fourth graders at Lanigan Elementary School recently built on their classroom studies of geography and water navigation by getting a first-hand look at the lock system along the Oswego River.

Jacob Tanner, a fourth grade student at Lanigan Elementary School, pretends to be the captain of the Tug Urger during a recent fieldtrip to the Fulton locks.
Jacob Tanner, a fourth grade student at Lanigan Elementary School, pretends to be the captain of the Tug Urger during a recent fieldtrip to the Fulton locks.

The students traveled to the locks, where they hopped aboard the Tug Urger, examined the lock system, learned about water pollution and received a history lesson about the importance of waterways as a transportation mechanism.

The tug’s four-man crew discussed the history of the 113-year-old vessel, its 20-ton engine, and what it is like to travel along the water.

“The locks create flat water to navigate, otherwise the river would be rough,” said crew member Mike Burns as he displayed a small-scale replica version of the locks.

Students had a chance to move a miniature boat through the replica lock structure, all while learning about the gravitational operation of the locks.

During a recent fieldtrip, Lanigan Elementary School fourth graders examine a replica of the lock system while gaining some insight into the history of local waterways.
During a recent fieldtrip, Lanigan Elementary School fourth graders examine a replica of the lock system while gaining some insight into the history of local waterways.

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