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.
Students can learn the history of legislation affecting the river and study how that has affected water quality and river uses. Students also can create a history of the watershed and educate others through plays, stories, etc. Students may want to research the status of rivers in other countries and learn about differences in attitudes about clean water. English Students can write real or fictional stories, poems, plays, or songs about their rivers. Students may want to write articles for a school newsletter about stream protection projects.