The Panama Canal
Great building feats Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
It took forty years and nearly 25,000 lives, but on August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal was completed. For hundreds of years, adventurers, politicians, sailors and soldiers had dreamed of shortening the long, harrowing journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Yet Panama's geography made the task nearly impossible. Understand the tireless spirit of those who succeeded in building this remarkable canal, and those who died along the way. With b/w photos and illustrations. Ages 9-13.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think were some of the biggest challenges in building the Panama Canal?
Why do you think the Panama Canal is important for ships traveling between oceans?
How do you think the creation of the canal impacted the countries and people involved?
Can you imagine what life might have been like for workers constructing the canal?
What are some ways that building the Panama Canal changed the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, explore a map together to locate Panama and discuss its geographical significance.
While reading, pause to reflect on the historical and engineering challenges mentioned in the book.
Encourage your child to think about the human aspect by discussing the lives of the workers and their families.
After finishing the book, watch a documentary or a video about the Panama Canal to enhance visual understanding.
Connect the story to broader themes like global trade, teamwork, and perseverance to deepen the conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays the challenges faced during the construction of the Panama Canal, highlighting the workers' persistent efforts despite numerous obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, applicable in tackling challenging school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The construction of the canal required collaboration between engineers, workers, and multiple countries, emphasizing the power of working together to accomplish a monumental task.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value cooperative efforts in group activities at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book details the innovative engineering solutions used to overcome the geographical and health-related issues during the canal's construction.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily interactions, from resolving conflicts with peers to overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The engagement of various international communities in the Panama Canal project introduces children to diverse cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate cultural diversity and promotes inclusiveness in their interactions with classmates from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Impact of human activities on the environment
Explanation: The book discusses the environmental changes brought about by the construction of the Panama Canal, such as deforestation and changes in water bodies.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the environmental consequences of large-scale human projects and the importance of environmental conservation and responsible decision-making.