Grade Levels:

3-5

Length:

20 minutes

Taping Rights:

Unlimited

Program Schedule:

See Below

In this field trip, KET takes students for a cruise on the famous steamboat, Belle of Louisville, which was built in 1914 and is one of the last of its kind in the world. Learn about the history of river travel and the invention of steamboat, and how it revolutionized transportation and fueled the growth of cities such as Louisville. Take a tour of the boat and learn how steam propels and powers everything on her; the duties of the various crew members; and how they must all work together as a team to safely and successfully guide the Belle up and down the Ohio.

Visit the interactive web site to take a virtual tour of the Belle of Louisville. The tour includes stops at all major areas of the boat including the engine room, calliope, firebox, and captain’s quarters and features video clips and slideshows. The web site also features an interesting timeline, more fun activities for students, and great teacher materials to accompany the 20 minute video. Produced 2009.

KY Program of Studies:
Science: Research-inquiry, Structure and Transformation of Matter, Motion and Forces, Energy Transformations;
Social Studies: Economics, Geography, Historical Perspective;
Practical Living: Safety, Career Awareness