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

A River Reborn / The Ottaway, A River Reconnected

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

Coast Guard Case Files Rescue and Boater Safety

Join us on an action-packed adventure as we dive into real U.S. Coast Guard rescue stories and uncover the best boating safety practices! 🛥️⚓ From dramatic water...

Getting Families Fishing

Okay admit it! Kids and even parents today can't seem to "disconnect" from their cell phones long often enough to make time for meaningful face-to-face connections with...

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...

Ripples in the Forest

So what makes a forest ecosystem dynamic and sustainable? Discover the answers by watching the four parts of this science show and reading the information below. And to...

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...

Learn Boating Safety: Save That Life!

Savvy Seagull welcomes Barnacle Bob, Party Boat Dude, and Wannabe Certified as guests on “Save That Life,” the game show where contestants win priceless lessons that...
Mapping the Mysteries of the Great Lakes. Man and women walking on sand towards Great Lake

Mapping the Mysteries: Great Lakes Careers

When a school career fair leaves the team uninspired, Diane, Jack, and Terry split up to chase down real careers around the Great Lakes—from the harbors of Sheboygan,...

Game Bird Quest

Pheasant hunting is in our heritage, and is an outdoor recreation that many people include in their lifestyles today. Huh, so what’s the big deal? Why are people so...

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!