A River Runs through It Session 1

Session 1

Print version of "A River Runs through It": PDF • Word

Conduct this session in the classroom.

Divide the class into 10 groups, or pairs, of students. Give each group a piece of drawing paper and a Land Use Scenario. Instruct each group to draw a picture of their piece of land, using information described in their Land Use Scenarios PDF • Word
Impress upon them to include in their drawing all the details from the scenario.
Give at least 1 self-stick note to each group. Direct each group to list on their self-stick note items from their land that could end up in the river. These items might enter the water with or without the aid of surface run-off.
When all groups have finished, have students place their drawings along the edge of the blue bulletin-board-paper river.
Beginning at the start of the river, move the paper raindrop downstream. As you pass by each land use picture, ask that picture's group to read their Land Use Scenario to the class, describe what they have drawn, and read the list from their self-stick note. Have the group then place their self-stick note on the raindrop. Proceed to the next land use picture.
Upon reaching the end of the river, read the self-stick notes that are on the raindrop, and discuss the items. Ask students to name the items that appear most frequently. Are some items more harmful to the water than others? Are there any that could be helpful? Discuss possible improvements to each piece of land that would decrease the negative impacts.
Have the groups modify their drawings to reflect better stewardship of their land.