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Lesson 2/2: GOOD SHAPE OF A RIVER

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  • How can a river clean itself?
  • 2. THE SHAPE OF A RIVER
  • Lesson 2/2

Main idea

Every river can be divided into upper, middle and lower sections. Each section has its own characteristics determined by a number of parameters, among which the most critical are slope, the quantity of water (discharge), and the types of sediments. In each of these zones, one can find different living conditions and therefore different river ecosystems. In the fast flowing waters, for example, animals exhibit special adaptations for holding on to the bottom of a river to avoid being swept away.

Goal

To examine differences and characteristics of living conditions in different parts of the river and to connect these differences with the ability of a river to purify itself. To learn what a good hydro-morphological shape of a river looks like in different parts of a river and that riparian area, as well as the shape of a riverbed itself, has essential purification functions.

Concepts

upper/middle/lower sections of a river; riverbed, river bank, riparian area;

Introduction: Riparian Area

Discuss with students what a riparian area is. What is the difference between a river bank and riparian area? Students can make drawings of their findings.

Activities in this lesson

River Sections and the Form of a Riverbed
2.2.1
Subject: Biology, Geography, Language, Physics, Social skills
Age group: 13 and up
Type of activity: Debate
Number of participants: Paired, Team
Unchanged, Significantly Changed, and Artificial Rivers
2.2.2
Subject: Art and craft, Biology, Geography, History, Language, Physics, Social skills
Age group: 13 and up
Type of activity: Debate, Project
Number of participants: Individual, Paired, Team
Riverbed and Riparian Area
2.2.3
Subject: Biology, Geography, Physics, Social skills
Age group: All, 4 - 6, 7 - 9, 10 - 12, 13 and up
Type of activity: Debate, Project
Number of participants: Individual, Paired, Team

Discussion: Is Our River in Good Condition?

Have a discussion with students about a river that flows through their town. What does it look like? Is it in an excellent hydro-morphological condition that supports the self-purification abilities of a river or not?

TOPICS

  • 1. RIVER AND RIVER BASIN
    • Lesson 1/1
    • Lesson 1/2
  • 2. THE SHAPE OF A RIVER
    • Lesson 2/1
    • Lesson 2/2
  • 3. LIFE IN A RIVER
    • Lesson 3/1
    • Lesson 3/2
    • Lesson 3/3
  • 4. POLLUTION IN RIVERS
    • Lesson 4/1
    • Lesson 4/2
  • 5. WATER QUALITY IN RIVERS
    • Lesson 5/1
  • 6. SELF-PURIFICATION PROCESSES IN RIVERS
    • LESSON 6/1
  • 7. RIVERS WITH HIGH SELF-PURIFICATION CAPABILITY
    • Lesson 7/1

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Donors

 

This project is partly financed by the European Union and City of Vienna

Partners

Associated partners

logo-eledan

info@water-detective.org

General contact:
info@water-detective.org

Lead partner and initiator:
ICRO – Institute for Integral Development and Environment, Sl

SI contact: marta.vahtar@icro.si

Partners:

Institute of Biology Bucharest,
Romanian Academy, Bucharest , RO
RO contact: biodiversitateibb@gmail.com

Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade, RS
SR contact: lenhardt@ibiss.bg.ac.rs

Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BG
BU contact: luchezarpehlivanov@gmail.com

Links:

www.eledan.eu
www.water-detective.net
www.facebook.com/water.detectives

Last change: 29.04.2019

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