River Rhythms: Streams, Science, and Sonnets

8th Grade Project 6 weeks

River Rhythms: Streams, Science, and Sonnets

GARLAPO WILLIAM

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Purpose

On day one, students will launch their exploration by journaling and experiencing a five senses walk by the river, setting the stage for a multifaceted investigation of their local watershed. The purpose of this project is to integrate scientific inquiry and poetic expression, allowing students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of rivers. Through hands-on activities, sensory experiences, and creative outputs, students will develop critical awareness of environmental issues and the significance of rivers in our ecosystem. By collaborating with community partners and sharing their findings and reflections, students will actively contribute to raising awareness and promoting sustainability within their community.

Learning goals

On day one, students will embark on a 'Senses and Science Expedition' by the river, using their observations to connect scientific concepts with personal experiences. Throughout the project, they will learn to conduct water quality tests, analyze environmental data, and understand ecological impacts on the local watershed. Students will explore poetic expression to appreciate the emotional and cultural significance of rivers. By producing educational podcasts, they will refine their communication skills and contribute to community awareness on sustainability and human impact.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.

Products

On the first day of the project, students will begin by creating a journal entry based on their sensory walk along the river, capturing their observations and initial thoughts. As the project progresses, they will develop educational podcasts featuring interviews with Riverkeepers, discussions on local sustainability, and poetic reflections on the significance of rivers. Students will also produce visual displays, such as posters or PSAs, that communicate the effects of climate, weather, and human impact on the watershed. These products will be showcased at the local library, where students will present their poems, offering the community a multifaceted perspective on the importance of the local watershed.

Launch

On day one, initiate the project with a 'Senses and Science Expedition' along the local river. Students will engage in a sensory walk, using all five senses to observe the environment and document their experiences in journals. After the walk, convene for a collaborative discussion to connect observations to scientific concepts and formulate questions about the watershed. This immersive launch will spark curiosity and lay the foundation for the project's exploration and inquiry.

Exhibition

On the first day of the exhibition, students will kick off the event with a guided sensory walk along the river for attendees, sharing their initial observations and questions from the project launch. At the local library, students will present their educational podcasts, featuring interviews with Riverkeepers and sustainability discussions. They will display their poetic reflections, inviting community members to engage with their creative expressions. Interactive stations will allow attendees to explore water quality testing and infiltration experiments, providing a hands-on experience of the students' scientific journey.

Remixed from River Rhythms: Streams, Science, and Sonnets

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Senses and Science Expedition - Embark on a sensory walk along the local river, using all five senses to observe and record experiences in journals, and then gather for a collaborative discussion to connect observations to scientific concepts and formulate questions about the watershed (36 min)	Introduction to Water Quality Testing - Discuss the importance of water quality, outline testing methods, and prepare for hands-on sessions by reviewing safety procedures and necessary equipment (15 min) Water Quality Sampling - Begin collecting water samples from the local river, focusing on pH, turbidity, and pollutant levels, ensuring all students participate in the hands-on activity (21 min)	Analyzing Water Quality Results - Analyze collected water samples, discuss findings, and explore the implications for local ecosystems through group discussion (18 min) Exploring River Poetry - Read and discuss a curated selection of poems about rivers and nature, encouraging students to identify themes and emotions (18 min)
Deliverables	1. Journal entry capturing sensory walk observations and initial thoughts. 2. Water quality test results and analysis discussion notes.
Preparation	1. Obtain necessary permissions for students to conduct activities by the river. 2. Gather materials for water quality testing, including pH strips, turbidity tubes, and pollutant test kits. 3. Prepare journals or digital devices for students to document their observations during the sensory walk. 4. Select and prepare a diverse collection of poems about rivers and nature for the poetry reading session. 5. Coordinate with Riverkeepers for potential future interviews or guest discussions.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Mindfulness and Journaling - Students will engage in mindfulness exercises by the river, using their senses to explore the environment and capture their observations in a journal entry, focusing on the connection between nature and personal reflections (36 min)	Evapotranspiration Experiment Setup - Students will set up an experiment to observe evapotranspiration using plastic bags over selected tree branches, learning about water movement and its impact on the local climate (18 min) Poetic Expression Workshop - Facilitate a workshop where students begin drafting their own poems inspired by their sensory experiences and observations of the river, emphasizing emotional and cultural connections (18 min)	Infiltration Field Activity - Conduct a field activity to observe soil types and test infiltration rates around the river using pvc pipes, discussing the effects of human activities on water absorption and runoff (20 min) Peer Review and Reflection - Students will share their initial poem drafts with peers for feedback, encouraging constructive critique and reflection to refine their poetic expressions (16 min)
Deliverables	1. A completed water quality analysis report detailing findings from the river samples, including pH, turbidity, and pollutant levels. 2. A personal poem reflecting on the river and the themes identified in the curated poem selection, demonstrating poetic expression and observation skills. 3. Data and observations from the evapotranspiration experiment, including group reflection notes on the implications for the local ecosystem.
Preparation	1. Gather water quality testing kits, including pH strips, turbidity tubes, and pollutant test kits. 2. Curate a diverse selection of poems about rivers and nature for students to read and analyze. 3. Collect materials for the evapotranspiration experiment, such as plastic bags and measuring tools. 4. Coordinate with the Riverkeepers to schedule a visit or virtual session for students to discuss their findings and gain further insights. 5. Prepare journals and writing materials for students to document their observations and reflections.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Poetic Expression Workshop - Facilitate a creative writing session where students draft poems reflecting their feelings and observations about the local watershed, using inspiration from their previous sensory walk and river poetry readings (36 min)	Mindfulness and Reflection - Guide students through a mindfulness exercise by the river, focusing on tuning into the environment and their inner thoughts, followed by journaling to capture insights and emotions for poetry development (18 min) Peer Review Session - Organize small group discussions where students share their poems and provide constructive feedback to each other, focusing on enhancing expression and thematic depth (18 min)	Hands-On Water Quality Testing - Conduct a session where students repeat water quality testing, this time focusing on different river sections to compare results, enhancing understanding of spatial variability in water quality (18 min) Data Analysis and Implications - Engage students in analyzing their water quality data, discussing patterns, and hypothesizing about possible causes and ecological impacts, reinforcing scientific inquiry skills (18 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed water quality analysis reports detailing findings and implications. 2. Original poems reflecting students' personal experiences and observations of the river. 3. Data charts and observational notes from evapotranspiration experiments. 4. Infiltration rate measurement reports and analysis of human impact.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for water quality testing, including pH strips, turbidity tubes, and pollutant detection kits. 2. Curate a selection of poems about rivers and nature for reading and response activities. 3. Provide measuring tools and plastic bags for evapotranspiration experiments. 4. Prepare PVC pipes and soil testing equipment for infiltration activities.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Podcast Planning Session - Students will brainstorm and outline their educational podcasts, deciding on key topics, interview questions, and poetic reflections to include, while considering the essential question (36 min)	Interview Techniques Workshop - Guide students in practicing effective interview techniques, focusing on active listening and question formulation, to prepare for their Riverkeeper interviews (18 min) Riverkeeper Interview Scheduling - Facilitate scheduling and preparation for student interviews with Riverkeepers, ensuring students are ready to engage meaningfully and gather insights for their podcasts (18 min)	Hands-On Water Quality Retesting - Conduct a final water quality testing session, comparing results over time and reinforcing data collection and analysis skills (18 min) Podcast Script Drafting - Students draft scripts for their podcasts, incorporating scientific findings, poetic reflections, and insights from Riverkeeper interviews, aligning with the project's essential question (18 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed water quality analysis report with data trends and implications. 2. Drafts of original poems inspired by the local watershed. 3. Podcast script outline including interviews, discussions, and poetic elements.
Preparation	1. Gather past water sample data and analysis tools for student use. 2. Select and provide a diverse range of poems about rivers and nature for the writing workshop. 3. Prepare guidelines and examples for podcast scriptwriting. 4. Arrange video conferencing or in-person meetings with Riverkeepers for interviews.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Podcast Planning Session - Students will outline their podcast segments, focusing on topics such as interviews with Riverkeepers and discussions on local sustainability, using their research and poetic reflections as a foundation (36 min)	Podcast Script Writing - Students will draft scripts for their podcast segments, incorporating scientific data, personal insights, and poetic elements to create cohesive and engaging content (18 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Students will exchange scripts with peers for constructive feedback, focusing on clarity, coherence, and the integration of scientific and poetic components (18 min)	Podcast Recording Session - Students will record their podcast segments using provided equipment, ensuring clear articulation and expression of their ideas (18 min) Editing and Finalizing Podcasts - Students will edit their recordings, adding music and sound effects as needed, to produce a polished final product ready for sharing (18 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed podcast scripts, incorporating interviews and poetic reflections. 2. Drafted and peer-reviewed poems about the significance of rivers. 3. Partially recorded podcasts, showcasing student voices and insights. 4. Initial designs for posters or PSAs, ready for feedback and refinement.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange recording equipment (microphones, audio software) for podcast production. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide resources for poster/PSA design, such as art supplies and digital design tools. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with Riverkeepers to ensure interview questions are finalized and prepared. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a peer review structure, including guidelines and feedback templates. 5. Prep Task 5: Organize a mock presentation session to practice public speaking and presentation skills.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Final Rehearsal for Library Presentation - Students will practice presenting their poems and podcast segments, focusing on clarity, expression, and audience engagement (18 min) Feedback and Refinement - Students will provide and receive feedback on their presentations, refining their delivery and content for the final exhibition (18 min)	Set Up Library Exhibition - Students will collaborate to arrange their visual displays, ensuring all materials, including posters and PSAs, are ready for public viewing (18 min) Final Podcast Edits and Upload - Students will make last-minute edits to their podcasts and ensure they are uploaded to the designated platform for community access (18 min)	Library Exhibition and Community Engagement - Students will present their poems and podcast segments at the local library, engaging with visitors and answering questions about their findings and creative expressions (36 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized educational podcast series featuring interviews and discussions. 2. Refined poetic reflections for showcasing at the library. 3. Completed visual display (poster or PSA) ready for exhibition. 4. Rehearsed presentation plan for the library exhibition.
Preparation	1. Arrange necessary audio equipment and software for podcast recording and editing. 2. Gather materials for creating visual displays, including poster boards, markers, and digital resources for PSA creation. 3. Coordinate with the local library for exhibition space setup and logistics. 4. Provide peer feedback forms and guidelines for constructive critique. 5. Organize a rehearsal space for students to practice their presentations.