Rivers and Environmental Issues

Get right down onto the riverbed at low tide and enjoy a very hands-on approach to learning about the river ecosystem.

Riverside fieldwork involves pupils using a range of scientific equipment to record simple abiotic data (temperature, depth, velocity, state of tide) and assess water quality through chemical tests. Pupils will observe river features including meanders and islands and river processes such as erosion, transportation and deposition. Pupils learn to identify and name birds and recognise how they have adapted to their environment.

Session 1a

Foreshore fieldwork: at low tide pupils take part in river dipping, a chance to discover first-hand what creatures live in the river by collecting, identifying and observing fish and invertebrates. Water quality will be assessed by biological indicators.

Session 2

Includes revision of geographical features and the water cycle. The River of Life floor game involves creating a natural river habitat and gaining an understanding of food chains and adaptations. Pupils will then look at how the river environment has changed over time and how pollution and human impact can pose a danger to living things. Through drama pupils explore environmental issues and consider “pollution solutions” for a sustainable future for the Thames.

At Chiswick, the following non-foreshore options are available as an alternative to 1a.

Session 1b

Riverside Challenge: in groups pupils compete to answer quiz questions while exploring the riverside. This session aims to encourage pupils to raise questions about riverside settlement, changes in land use, flood protection, human impact and the natural environment.

Session 1c

Meet the RNLI Lifeboat Crew: a great example of citizenship in action! Pupils will have the opportunity to visit the Chiswick Lifeboat Station, which is the second busiest in the RNLI fleet. Pupils will learn first-hand about features of a lifeboat, the crew’s kit and what happens when the crew are called out to an emergency. Pupils will also learn how to prevent accidents by developing an understanding of water safety.

Please note: Chiswick is an operational lifeboat station so occasionally the crew might have to leave promptly to answer an emergency call. For this reason pupils will not be able to board the lifeboat. If you would prefer to do sessions 1a or 1b but would also like to visit the RNLI Lifeboat station, visits can be arranged separately with the RNLI by emailing chiswick@rnli.org.uk or phone 0208 995 5534.

Locations

Kew, Chiswick, Hammersmith, Fulham Palace

Duration

Full and half-day programme.

Learning Objective

You will be asked to indicate your learning objectives as part of the booking process in advance of your trip so we can tailor the programme to your requirements.