We would like to encourage students to undertake a number of projects to measure the status of rivers in their areas, to exchange this information, and to compare what they find locally with students from other areas.

Exchanges could involve many types of information:

Biological data

Information on the macroinvertebrate populations found in the stream. Students should identify the macroinvertebrate species found in their streams and try to interpret what that means relative to the quality of the streams.

Information on the fish population in the stream. These could be identifying what they catch when they fish in the stream, or by finding secondary sources of information about what fish are found in their stream. Students can also compare whether their stream has any unusual or unique species living in it.

Water quality data

Using simple water quality analysis kits, students can measure a number of basic physical and chemical chararacteristics of the stream. These can be related to water quality standards. Students could measure biochemical oxygen demand, temperature, pH, nutrient chemicals, or other water quality parameters.

Water flow data

Human use of the land frequently results in situations where floods can cause major damage to homes and businesses. Students could explore the flooding problems in each of their watersheds by gathering information from flood studies, interviewing local officials about flood areas, or gathering and analyzing data on streamflows. Students could then exchange information on the differences in the risks associated with future floods in their area and what might be done about them.

History, culture, and land use of the watershed

Each watershed has a unique history to research. What has happened in the past has led to a mix of activities and uses that occur on the watershed. Students can compare these histories, information on the population, land use, cultural activities, and condition of the watersheds they live in. They can also identify the different types of lifestyles associated parts of their watershed, from central cities to farm communities.

Students can also undertake projects to figure out what actions are being taken to preserve or improve the streams including a comparison of state and local laws intended to make this happen.