Book 30, Question 20 · Video
Where do the Great Lakes' names come from?
The names come from many languages. Michigan comes from an Ojibwe word meaning large water. Ontario is thought to come from an Iroquoian word meaning sparkling water. Erie is named for the Erie people who lived near its shore. Huron was a French name for the Wendat people, and Superior just means the upper lake. Place names often tell us about history.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Where do the Great Lakes' names come from?
The Big Idea
Every Great Lake has a name! Where did those names come from? Let's explore.
Indigenous Words
Step one: Indigenous Words. The names come from many languages. Michigan comes from an Ojibwe word meaning large water, and Ontario is thought to come from an Iroquoian word meaning sparkling water.
People's Names
Step two: People's Names. Erie is named for the Erie people who lived near its shore. Huron was a French name for the Wendat people.
The Upper Lake
Step three: The Upper Lake. Superior simply means the upper lake. Place names often tell us about history.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Large water. Sparkling water. The Erie people. Upper lake.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Many Canadian lake names come from Indigenous languages. Michigan means large water. Ontario means sparkling water. Superior means upper.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, find a lake near you on a map. Look up where its name comes from. Write down its meaning. Draw a picture of the name. What does it tell you about history?
Outro
The Great Lakes' names come from many languages: Michigan from an Ojibwe word for large water, Ontario likely from an Iroquoian word for sparkling water, Erie from the Erie people, Huron from a French name for the Wendat, and Superior meaning upper. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!