Materials
bags or small containers
nature items, such as twigs, grasses, shells, seeds, sand, mud, pebbles, acorns, and so on
paper
markers
pencils
glue
Instructions
1. Sit in a circle. Read one of the books from the list below or one similar.
2. Share these facts with the children and encourage discussion:
* All rivers and streams start at a high point, like a mountain or a hill.
* Most of these are freshwater. (Explain this to the children.)
* Rivers are bigger than streams.
* Water from a spring or snow melt starts at a high point and flows downhill.
* Other small streams combine to form bigger streams and eventually a river.
* Water then flows into the ocean or a lake.
3. Ask the children if they know why rivers and streams are important. Some
ideas:
* They provide habitat for animals and birds.
* They are waterways for shipping and businesses.
* We enjoy their beauty.
* Families have fun together boating and fishing.
4. Ask the children about how they help protect rivers and streams. Some ideas
include:
* Don't throw trash or waste into the water.
* Watch the animals and birds but don't disturb them.
* Observe boating rules.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Ask the children to describe a river and a stream.
* Can the children describe how rivers and streams form?
* Do the children have ideas on how we can protect rivers and streams?
