Dive in and let curiosity flow—one watershed at a time

[TomBaker]

Many Earth science teachers begin teaching freshwater units in early fall.  Usually these investigations cover at least the flow of freshwater in the water cycle, paying attention to  rivers, lakes, and streams.   Explore how rivers and streams flow to the sea—connecting local landscapes to some of the planet’s most iconic waterways.

Explore how topography and gravity shape river systems. Measure elevation changes, trace tributaries, and analyze how watersheds connect land, water, and life.  Inspire students to see rivers not just as natural features, but as lifelines of ecosystems, cultures, and communities. Dive in and let curiosity flow—one watershed at a time.

Resources:

• MapMaker activity: Where rivers run
• Mapmaker activity: Is water really running out?
• Map Viewer GeoInquiry: A river runs through it
• App: The water balance app – see how the water balance in a place is changing over time.
• App: Drought Aware – near real-time, local to national maps and analyses
• Data: Live stream gauge data for use in Map Viewer or ArcGIS Pro