We had an exciting journey through the Midwest on a crop duster. We visited many famous landmarks and cities, including our own state...Nebraska!!!

In St. Louis, Missouri, our crop duster pilots flew right above the Gateway Arch. This structure was built to honor Lewis and Clark who explored the west.

Nebraska and Iowa are two of the top corn producing states. Over 500 important products and byproducts are made from corn produced in the Midwest.

Dodge City, Kansas was awesome! We learned about the cowboys from Texas in the 1870's who drove cattle to Dodge City. The cattle drives took weeks and months.

We visited front street in Dodge City and felt like we were real cowboys!!

In South Dakota, we visited the Black Hills where the Mt. Rushmore Memorial is located. It was amazing to see the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln! We also were able to see the Crazy Horse Memorial. This monument was created to honor the Native American man who fought to defend his people and their way of life.

When we flew over the Soo Locks in Michigan, we were amazed to see how they lift and lower ships up to 1,000 feet long! Lake Superior is 21 feet higher than the rest of the Great Lakes, therefore the locks are the necessary connection between the Great Lakes.

Animated Lock Demonstration

This figure demonstrates how a typical locking system operates.
The ship in this example approaches from the higher water elevation.
The lock doors and filling valve are closed.
The emptying valve is then opened and the water is forced out of the lock until it reaches its natural elevation.
The lower lock doors are then opened, and the ship proceeds.

Return to the Soo Locks Homepage.

While in Detroit, Michigan we learned about Henry Ford and how automobiles were made. Henry Ford's home is located in Greenfield Village.

At O'Hare International Airport, we loved watching the huge planes take off! This airport was voted "The Best Airport in North America" by travelers!

While in Chicago we also visited Wrigley Field and cheered on the Chicago Cubs as we sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

One of our most exciting parts of the Midwest tour was our stop at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Even if you don't like to shop, you will love to "shop" here. Aside from having over 580 stories, this mall has an amusement park, a NASCAR Speedway, tons of restaurants, and a Lego Imagination Center.

Did you know if a shopper spent 10 minutes browsing in every store, it would take over 86 hours to complete their visit to Mall of America walking more than 4.5 miles?

Fourth Grade---Cambridge Public Schools

MIDWEST REGION

Animated Lock Demonstration