Lesson Plan - Could This Canal Run Dry?

Build Background and Vocabulary

Have students view the video “The Panama Canal” at junior.scholastic.com and record three to five key details about how and why the waterway was constructed. Then use Words to Know to preteach the domain-specific terms.

Read the Article

Read the article aloud or have students read it independently or in pairs. As students read, direct them to circle or highlight any words whose meanings they are unsure of.

Answer Close-Reading Questions

Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.

• Why are officials in Panama planning to dam the Río Indio? Use text evidence to support your response. (Text Evidence)
Officials in Panama plan to dam the Río Indio to create a new reservoir that could replenish the Panama Canal during droughts. The text states, “Adding another reservoir could keep the canal running even during dry spells and potentially let more ships cross year-round.”

• How will damming the Río Indio affect the people who live near it? (Cause and Effect)
Once the dam is constructed, the Río Indio will flood its banks, creating a reservoir. The flooding will submerge nearby Indigenous communities. More than 3,000 people are expected to lose their homes and 10,000 more people could be affected in other ways.

• What additional sources would you consult to evaluate whether Panama’s plan to protect the canal is the best decision? What questions would you ask? (Evaluate a Claim)
Sample response: To evaluate the plan to preserve the Panama Canal, I would want to talk to engineers or other experts. I would ask: Are there solutions that could help preserve the Panama Canal without displacing people? What are the benefits and drawbacks of those ideas? In addition, I would want to hear from government officials about their plans to compensate and assist people who would be displaced. I would ask: Will people be given assistance with finding new jobs?

Your Turn: A Global Waterway

Direct students to the “Your Turn” prompt at the end of the article. Students will analyze a political map of Panama and answer the questions that follow.

Analyze Structure and Purpose

Have students complete the graphic organizer Anatomy of a News Story to practice identifying the parts, purpose, and structure of a news article. This skill builder will also help students review key details from the article.

Assess Comprehension

Assign the 10-question Know the News quiz, available in PDF and interactive forms. You can also use Quiz Wizard to assess comprehension of this article and three others from the issue.