Curricula
The Chicago River can serve as a setting for science experiments, water quality monitoring, historical investigations, creative writing and art projects. The fascinating history, rich ecology and complex issues facing the river today are perfect for deep and authentic service learning programs.
We offer three curricula as well as individual lessons to help you create your own unit. Our program is very flexible and works with your existing curricula. Additionally, we have a lending library of picture books, novels, poems, reference books and field guides you can borrow. If you need help planning a Chicago River unit, or wish to use the Chicago River for your students’ studies, please contact us to set up a free planning meeting.
Choose from three curricula, one each for grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12, or work with us to create your own unique Chicago River program.
A classroom visit by Friends on the history of the river can serve as an introduction to your students. A field trip to the Chicago River can be a wonderful opportunity for students to apply their learning and excel in a new environment.
Curricula
Exploring Rivers, K-4th
Exploring Rivers is a series of five curricula, one each for grades Kindergarten through fourth grade. Students delve into the fascinating world of rivers by exploring habitats, cycles, flow and erosion. Engaging hands-on lessons and investigations connect students to the world around them. The curriculum manual includes lessons, background information and assessment rubrics. Cost per teacher is $35. We also offer Exploring Rivers as a workshop where CPDUs are available. Contact us for details.
River Citizen, 5th-8th
Through a series of lessons and a field trip, students take on the role of scientists and investigate a local environmental issue, the health of the Chicago River and its watershed. Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills as they conduct research, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, suggest solutions and take individual action towards improving the river. Lessons include background sections and assessment rubrics and address math, science, language arts and social science standards. Cost per teacher is $35. We also offer River Citizen as a workshop where CPDUs are available. Contact us for details.
Rivers Curriculum, 7th-12th
This innovative and comprehensive curriculum uses rivers and watersheds as a focus for biology, chemistry, earth science, language arts, math and geography. Each of these subjects has their own manual with lessons, assessments and background information. The lessons are inquiry based and hands-on, introducing students to complex concepts and issues in a real world approach. Cost per teacher is $90. The Rivers Curriculum workshop is a four-day training, held annually in mid to late July.
Become a Friend