Kids & Teachers

For Kids

Underwater archaeologists use clues from a wreck site to answer questions about the past, such as finding out why a ship sank and what life on the vessel was like for the sailors and passengers. There are approximately 700 shipwrecks in Wisconsin waters and each one can tell us something unique about Wisconsin's rich maritime history. So dive in and let's...

For Teachers

Wisconsin's shipwrecks are tangible reminders of how important water has been in shaping the state's history and culture. We must remember that most of Wisconsin's borders are rivers or lakes, and there are thousands of ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers within Wisconsin. Working with Water explores the history of Wisconsin waterways, from the glaciers that formed the waterways to historic and modern shipping on lakes Superior and Michigan, as well as the Mississippi River.

Beginning with Native American, and later with European and American settlement, Wisconsin's waterways have been used for the transportation of people and cargo, fishing, agriculture, as a source of power, and recreation. Stories of canoeing, fishing, ricing, shipping and shipwrecks, lumber, paper-making, and more await discovery in Working with Water. Additionally, the book's companion teacher's guide offers fun and educational activities that relate to the text's major themes. This Web site is based on a chapter excerpted from the book.

Written for elementary school students, Working with Water and the associated Teacher's Guide is a product of the Wisconsin Historical Society's Office of School Services. The texts are published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press as part of The New Badger History Series.