Port Activities and Management

Build a three-dimensional model of a marine terminal, dry-dock facility, or airport. Include the primary work areas and describe the activities which occur there.

Divide up into teams to research each of the 23 ports in Oregon. Prepare maps and charts showing the natural water and land features of the area and how the port intersects with other transportation modes. Show how the activities of each port relate to the agriculture, raw materials, and other major industries of the area. Which ports do you think have the most potential for growth in the future?

Prepare a plaster model of a dam with fish ladders and locks for river transportation. Identify the equipment needed for operation and how it works.

In order to compete in today’s world, ports in developing countries must provide modern pier or quay facilities, extensive upland areas and intermodal transportation, adequate channels and properly trained port workers in order to keep down the transportation costs for their country’s exports or imports. Research the efforts of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the International Association of Ports and Harbors and discuss the programs they have initiated to help developing countries compete in international trade.

Eugene Bailey on the life of a longshoreman in Coos Bay

Research the Longshoreman’s Union. What effect has this union had on port development in Oregon and vice versa?

"Shiver Me Timbers": Port Ecology
Extensions to student activities on fishing's effect on the environment.