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 National Marine Sanctuaries

The earth's oceans are home to thousands of species of marine life, from tiny plankton to enormous humpback whales. The Great Lakes' contain more than six thousand...

Into Bowfishing: From Water to Table

On this Into the Outdoors episode, we catch our dinner! Bowfishing combines hunting and fishing. Our sights are set on invasive species in the Potomac River near the...

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...

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...

Into Family Fishing and Boating

Are you ready to get Into Family Fishing and Boating? As you’ll discover in this Into the Outdoors episode and related Into the Outdoors @Home topic videos, fishing and...

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...

Crazy for Crappies

Okay, so there's several great ways to enjoy and share the fishing fun and education in this show. First, you can kick back with family or friends to watch this entire...

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...

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...

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...

Thank you, Partners!