Start class by telling your students that this is their lucky day and they have won a 10 day cruise at the port of New Orleans and cruise up the Mississippi River to the port of St. Louis. The Delta Queen is a paddle boat that travels at about 6 miles per hour. This gives the passengers an opportunity to savor the region.

 The assignment is to keep a diary to share with your class when you return home. Describe the human and physical characteristics you experience as you make this trip. What kind of climates and vegetation do you experience? What types of food and architecture do you find along the way? Tell from your own view point why the Mississippi is such an important transportation route to the North.