The students walked from the 4 écluses pumping stations to the Tixier lock, near the sea, folowing the watergang outlet canal. The Tixier lock allows the water to be evacuated at low tide and prevents sea water from entering the outlet canal and flooding the hinterland. The hinterland of Dunkirque is 4 m below sea level. This area is a huge swamp. Students  heard about the drainage system of the hinterland polders. The informations gave a guide from the organisation Halle aux Sucres. He tolked about 1000 km of waterganges built by man, 150 km of canals and 100 pumping stations which control and evacuate floods – rain water, tides. With climate change and the rise in sea level, the wateringues are likely to be put under greter pressure. Boys were very impresed by this topic because it is a technical theme and it is interesting mainly for boys. 

The students were able to grasp a theme that was unknown to them but which is crucial for them. They realized that they were living in a territory at risk and that its management was fundamental.

FR23 MSTE Walk around canal
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