Living River Online
An Interactive Exploration of the Upper Mississippi River Ecosystem
Lessons for the Classroom
WELCOME
VIDEO: Let Ranger Jim introduce you to Living River Online!
ABOUT LIVING RIVER ONLINE
What's an ecosystem?
How is it related to a floodplain forest?
How are mussels connected to a river floodplain's water quality?
Why is it so hard to be a Northern Pike fish in the Mississippi River?
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Come find answers to these questions and more as you explore the upper Mississippi River ecosystem and two of its native species!
OVERVIEW ON HOW TO USE THIS SITE
Living River Online is designed for teachers as either a stand-alone collection of lessons to complement your elementary grade level science classroom lessons, or it can be used as a pre or post-field trip companion to our Mississippi National River and Recreation Area field trips, especially our Big River Journey field trip.
STEPS ON HOW TO EXPLORE THIS SITE
1. Begin with this WELCOME section listed in the menu bar.
Review the Get to Know the Mississippi River videos located below.
Read the article titled, A Most Amazing River, located below.
2. Click to explore a MAIN TOPIC that is numbered above and located on the blue bar (or drop down menu if using a mobile device)!
You will explore three MAIN TOPICS related to the upper Mississippi River:
Fabulous Floodplain
Mighty Mussels
Powerful Pike
Each MAIN TOPIC will have the following FOUR SECTIONS for you to explore:
Introduction Video with related topic questions and vocabulary to explore
Understand It: Explore and learn about the topic through slide decks, videos, and readings
Do It: Complete a hands-on activity, product, or project
Quiz It: Take a short quiz to see what you know about each topic
3. Other Website Features -- See Blue Menu Bar
Write Out Prompt: Have students write about what they are learning by using the Write Out Prompt!
Write Out for Teachers: Teachers! Learn how to participate in the Write Out program, sponsored by the National Writing Project and the National Park Service!
Resource Section: TEACHERS! There are valuable resources for you to use here to get to know more about each topic.
Students: Your teacher may also assign you related activities and lessons. Have fun!
GET TO KNOW THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!
Introducing the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Get to know an urban national park located within the metropolitan area of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Travel the length of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River runs from its headwaters at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota to its mouth just south of New Orleans, Louisiana. This video takes you on a tour along the length of this amazing river in just five minutes!
Source: Center for Global Environmental Education, Hamline University
A MOST AMAZING RIVER
Source: Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, Young Naturalists
Living River Online is produced by Mississippi Park Connection in collaboration with Mississippi National River and Recreation Area of the National Park Service. Further support is provided by Hamline University, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and River Educators.