Although adequate background for lessons is provided in each chapter, using the knowledge of many disciplines will ensure success for your project and provide a more comprehensive experience for students. The geology of the watershed can be examined, and students can discuss how chemical interactions of rainwater and land affect the water chemistry of the stream. Using the premise that all water runs downhill, students can track the location of underground streams that have been piped underground to make way for roads. They also can help create a watershed map. Computer Science Students may want to design a database to store the information gathered about their stream.
Students can use a myriad of new computer software that involve environmental problem solving.
They can use computers to set up a computer network to compare data with other schools monitoring upstream or downstream. The class may want to get on one of the student environmental networks such as National Geographic's Kidsnet or the international Green Network run by the University of Michigan. Students may want to attend planning board or city council meetings and learn how laws are passed. Students may want to convene their own water congress with several schools to discuss water quality issues and invite local government officials to come and listen. Students can interview elderly people about their memories of the river.