Panama Canal Lesson

BELL WORK1.Open to the Bell Work tab

2.Write a short paragraph about something fun that you did over Thanksgiving Break.

OBJECTIVEI can examine the map of Central America.

I can explain the benefit of the Panama Canal.

CENTRAL AMERICAPHYSICAL MAP

PANAMA CANAL

POD TALK• Predict why the Panama Canal was created.• How would the Panama Canal improve the economy in Panama?

The Panama Canal was built by cutting through the Central America land bridge, which connected the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Before the canal was open in 1914, a ship bringing copper from Peru to Florida had to sail around South America and then north.

In 1902, the U.S. wanted to build a canal across the isthmus, which was part of Colombia. Colombia did not

accept the offer for the land. With backing from the U.S., Panama declared independence of Colombia. Panama then gave the U.S. a great deal on the land and the

construction began. Many of the people in Panama were not happy. In 1999, the United States turned over the

control of the canal to Panama.

Facts About the Canal Positive Effects of the Canal

EXIT TICKET

•1. Where is the Panama Canal located?•2. How did the Canal improve the economy of the local regions?