The Science of Rivers

Peter Raymond, Oastler Professor in Ecosystem Ecology at the School of the Environment & Professor, Earth and Planetary Science at Yale University

Download
Flyer

Rivers are the veins of the continents connecting continents to the oceans. They have evolved to efficiently move water from rainfall off land and to the oceans, playing a critical role in the earth’s water cycle. They also move sediment, pollutants, nutrients and greenhouse gases. From a societal point of view, they are critical for transportation, irrigation, waste management, and industry. They are also often an integral part of regional culture. This seminar will focus on they hydrology, structure (geomorphology), and ecology of rivers.

This seminar is intended for teachers of science at all grade levels. Teachers of math may also identify opportunities to support their instruction and curricular development.

“The seminar will likely include at least one field trip to conduct sampling at a river site, as well as at least one session in a laboratory setting, where samples are analyzed. In addition, Fellows will share and learn demonstrations to perform with their students.” - Peter Raymond

Potential Curriculum Unit Topics

K-12 teachers can create curriculum units on a wide array of topics:

• Science teachers can create units that explore the hydrology, structure, and ecology of rivers, in disciplines including ecology and environmental science, chemistry, biology, and geology.
• Math teachers can create units based on the study of rivers in statistics, alegbra, pre-algebra, and geometry.

This seminar is for K-12 teachers in:

• Sciences
• Mathematics