Students could identify places on a blank map as the exerpt is read. As a class, students will discuss their answers and make sure all teams have the correct responses. Students can use United States, People and Places, a kit by Nystrom to find examples of the expanded vocabulary list. They will locate as many of the physical features from their extended vocabulary as possible on this model. Students should write a descriptive paragraph of their model using at least 10 of their river terms.
Students can design a river by building a sloping hill out of damp sand, pebbles and mud.
They can then slowly pour a steady stream of water over the top of the mountain. They then watch carefully to see how the water finds the quickest way down the slope and how much sand and gravel it carries. Read Where the River Begins by Thomas Locker.