How Can Ocean-Going Ships Sail Deep Inside a Continent?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can ocean-going ships sail deep inside a continent?

The Big Idea

Ocean-going ships can sail deep inside a continent using a system called the St. Lawrence Seaway! It is made of locks, canals, and channels. It works like a staircase of water, climbing from the sea to the lakes.

A Long River

Step one: the route. The St. Lawrence Seaway lets ships sail from the Atlantic Ocean up the St. Lawrence River to the Great Lakes. That is about 2,300 miles inland, a long way from the salty sea.

Water Staircase

Step two: locks. The land rises toward the Great Lakes, so locks lift ships up, step by step, like a water staircase. The locks lift ships hundreds of feet in total. Ships rise in a big chamber, just like a boat in a small canal lock.

Cargo Highway

Step three: cargo. Ships carry grain, iron ore, and other goods in both directions. It lets farms and factories far from the ocean reach the rest of the world, and it brings goods back too.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at the Seaway! Ships start at the Atlantic Ocean. Locks lift them up. They reach the Great Lakes. And they carry cargo as they go.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Ships climb about 600 feet on their way to Lake Superior. That is about as tall as a 50-story building. Stay far from locks and ships. Always visit with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like an explorer! Trace the route from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior on a map. How many Great Lakes can you name? Can you name all five? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

The Seaway lifts ocean ships deep into the continent. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!