Riverboats of the Mississippi

This scene allows students to explore a riverboat stationed on the banks of the Mississippi River in the United States.

The Mississippi River stretches over 2,300 miles from its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico and has been an important trade route since ancient times, when Native American tribes used it for transportation and trade. It was a major transportation artery for the United States in the 19th century, and riverboats played a key role in moving goods and people up and down the river.


**Lesson Objectives**

1. Be able to identify some key features of riverboats.

2. Be able to explain the historical uses of riverboats on the Mississippi River.

L.O.1 – Encourage students to explore the riverboat and note its features. They can consider how these boats differ to other types and discuss why.

L.O.2 – Students can be directed to the student information which provides some historical context.