Environmental Education
River Classroom®: A Day of Science and Adventure
One of the most memorable experiences any child will have is River Classroom®, our signature canoe-based, day-long adventure that teaches young people about our rivers, their history and ecology, and the capacity of humans to impact the health of our waterways, for better or worse. For many children, and parent chaperones, this will be their first time in a canoe and their first time on the river, which sets the stage for their unforgettable River Classroom day.
Two River Classroom Options
NRWA currently offers two variations of our basic River Classroom structure. Our most popular program, “Habitat and Adaptation in the River Ecosystem”, is designed for grades 4-8. We also offer a more in-depth program for grades 7-12 titled “Nutrient Cycles and the Freshwater Ecosystem” providing scientific activities that lead to a closer look at the important nutrient cycles and molecular components that support healthy river and pond systems.
The NRWA also offers our River Classroom program to non-school youth groups such as homeschoolers, summer youth programs, church youth groups, and others.
How does River Classroom® work?
River Classroom involves a collaborative partnership between the participating school, the Nashua River Watershed Association, and Nashoba Paddler. The program is offered spring, summer, and fall, primarily on the Nashua River in Groton and on the Squannacook River in West Groton. On occasion, other locations may be used.
Preparation for trip: Students, teachers, and volunteer parents will view an introductory visual presentation on the Nashua River, its history, and the story of its remarkable recovery, including the inspiring message of our founder, Marion Stoddart, that it is within the power of every single individual to make a difference in our world.
River Classroom Day: Each class will first receive basic paddling and safety instruction on the banks of the river. Participants spend half of the day canoeing on the river while using their observation skills to conduct wildlife field studies. Students will also join in discussions led by River Classroom guides on topics including local geology and history, non-point source pollution, and ways to protect our riverine ecosystems. Students spend the other half of the day along the river banks completing an Aquatic Insect Investigation with River Classroom staff, using specialized equipment to capture, observe, and identify macro-invertebrates such as various insect larvae and crayfish. They will use their data to determine the water quality and general health of the river ecosystem.
For more information, please email Gaynor Bigelbach, Environmental Education Director.
