History of Nautical Navigation: Safely Navigating Our Waterways

For hundreds of years, the waterways of the United States have been utilized as a means of transportation. From historical navigation tools and methods used by Native Americans to modern instruments used to navigate our waterways today, we set out to learn how our relationship with the waterways has evolved. With the construction of levees, locks and dams, the structure of the river has changed to become more navigable, but this also means boaters must be equipped with the knowledge of how to navigate these potential obstacles. As our technology and methods have improved, our navigation knowledge must develop as well. Join us as we learn about the history of nautical navigation, from past to present, and how to safely navigate our waterways. 

Full Video

Classroom Videos

A Delicate Balance: How Transporation Has Impacted Our Waterways

How To Use A Compass

Classroom Assets

Compass Navigation

Inland Waterways

RElated Content

Into Boating Safety: Exploring Vessels

Join us in this episode of Into the Outdoors episode, we learn about vessels! What are they? How can they be safely operated? Being out on the water is a great way to...

Reconnecting Rivers & Invasive Species

Maybe it's only natural that us humans rarely think about how our actions today might impact others or the environment 100 years later. That was especially true back in...

Into Bowfishing: Common Carp

In this Into the Outdoors episode, we learn about bowfishing for the invasive species, common carp. Watch as Into the Outdoors Adventure Team members, Garrett and Kayla...

The Ottaway, A River Reborn

This page offers a chance for you to see the entire Emmy-winning film in HD. It also provides link to the classroom educational films and lesson activities related to...

A River Reborn

Rivers are like arteries, bringing life to the region surrounding them, washing away waste, purifying the environment with their biotic and abiotic processes.  Just...

Into Boating Safety: Advanced Boating Technology

In this Into the Outdoors episode, we’re meeting up with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to learn more about different boating technologies that could save your...

Decoding the Science of Boating Safety

What do physics geniuses, Archimedes and Sir Isaac Newton have to do with keeping you safe while boating? Join our outdoor adventure team as they decode the fun and...

Clovis Kids Cook-off

Welcome to Clovis Kids Cook-off as part of our America’s Conservation & Hunting Heritage Series. As you’ll discover in this video, our hunting heritage offers you...

Extreme Survival Strategies

How do Polar vortexes, climate change, record storms, extreme weather of all kinds play havoc on our ecosystems and all the species that live there? Discover the...

Florida Fishing Fun

Welcome to Florida Fishing Fun as part of our Getting Families Fishing Series. As you’ll discover in this video, fishing with friends and family offers you pathways to...

Thank you, Partners!