River Study.

What is a River Study?

A river study at Outdoor Elements can include:

– Kick sampling with nets to discover life living in the stream.  Identification charts will be used to identify the wide range of invertebrates present in the water. We will then use this information to consider these as indicators of water quality to decide on how healthy the stream is. Life within the stream will also be discussed within the wider context of the food chain and its place within ecosystems. We can also have a go at drawing a scientific sketch of their favourite creature and label the body parts.

– Using floats and stopwatches on a measured track to show the speed of the river. There will be tracks set out at different points on the river to show how topography affects the speed of the river. We will talk about where the river is fastest and slowest and what effect this has on the shape of the river. Erosion and Deposition.

– Using measuring equipment and graph paper, we will draw a cross-section of the river. This will lead to working out the cross-sectional wetted area of the river and further to measure the discharge of the river. Combined with the speed data, we can also estimate the rate of discharge.

A minimum of 3 hours is required to cover the subject in enough detail. The level of detail can be pitched according to the age group.

Learning Outcomes of doing a river study

Enjoyment, teamwork, communication, leadership, listening skills, carrying out instructions, learn about wildlife and the natural environment, analytical skills

Venues

Outdoor Elements has an outdoor activity centre set within a 7-acre woodland. Within the woodland is a stream. Making this an ideal environment for a river/stream study.