Middle School Students track their way to historical points in Cohoes

Using GPS navigation systems, Cohoes Middle School students in the Summer Learning Academy got lessons in using the high-tech devices, as well as often overlooked historical points in the city.

"The goal was to get students out into the community and to teach  them some history about the place where they live," said Cohoes Middle School Assistant Principal Dan Martinelli. "I think it went well."

Students traveled in small groups with their teacher, using the GPS systems to direct them to each of three spots in their search, which included: the bike trail, a portion of what used to be the Erie Canal and an abandoned cemetery.

At each of the locations, students learned a bit about the history of the spot and why each of them is important to the development of Cohoes. They also did an activity together.

For example, at the bike trail, students talked about how it used to be the path for a railroad and how the railroad influenced development in Cohoes. The Erie Canal’s path through Cohoes also contributed to the development and the economics of the city when it was functioning, students learned. Finally, at the abandoned cemetery, students placed flowers on the broken gravestones and took a moment to remember the people of Cohoes who lived in the city before them.

"It was cool," said one student, who also admitted she enjoyed learning about history through the walking tour as opposed to being in the classroom.