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Lee Tracy |
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World Rivers is a creative project that moves beyond traditional book learning and the walls of a school. World Rivers looks to the local neighborhood and natural surroundings for inspiration. Learning about the precious resource of water takes place through classroom interaction, field trips, and a collaborative performance. Studies illustrate both the cultural and historical traditions connected to our waterways. Educational opportunities embrace all subjects in a less formal and more personal way. A collaborative performance cultivates a greater understanding and appreciation of environmental stewardship and how it pertains to them. Contributing to a global tactile artwork stimulates their personal power to influence and improve the world at large. SUBJECTS History - Learn about the history of the river and the civilizations that grew around them. Social Studies - What are rivers used for? Name the many things rivers provide and the things that endanger rivers. Science - Use a microscope to view water samples. Scroll down for worksheet samples. Geography - Read a map. Learn where rivers originate and where they flow. Ecology - List all the life forms that the river supports. Discuss the seasons and how rivers change. Biology - Learn how rivers provide sustenance for life, animal and human. Art - Sketch the details of local flora and fauna, of life found in your river. Creative writing - Write a short story about a river ride and the many things encountered. Poetry - Find a poem about water or write a poem about water or your river. Photography - Take photos of your surroundings and compare country, rural, and city settings. Pottery - Create vessels for carrying water while exploring the many modes of water transportation.  THINGS TO DO LESSON PLAN FOR STUDENTS IN 3 GROUPS (1.5 - 2 hours) Rotating stations 1. River walk for fabric dipping and photography 2. Poetry in art sketchbooks. Begin with a list of adjectives about water and a list of things to do around rivers. 3. Drawing in art sketchbooks LEARN ABOUT FABRIC Select your white cloth and learn the difference between synthetic and natural fabrics. Synthetic fabric is manmade and chemical based. Natural fabric come from plant fibers and fur from animals. Introduce a guessing games by cutting swatches of natural fabrics and mix in with manmade ones such as rayon, nylon, polyester, latex, spendex, or acrylic. Students can touch and label which fabrics feel natural or not. PLANT BASED: abaca, bamboo, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, linen, papyrus, ramie, sisal ANIMAL BASED: alpaca, angora,camel, cashmere, mohair, silk, wool  CREATE A WORKSHEET Begin by downloading this two page google.doc of river facts and World River Project worksheet. Many thanks and deep gratitude to educator and artist Regina Maniaci for incorporating the World Rivers Project in her travels to international schools. Regina has engaged many children to learn about the planet's precious natural resource, fresh water.  
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Lee Tracy |