Investigate!

Your goal "on the river" is to collect as much scientific data as you can during one short day. Don't get distracted by the fun of a day spent rafting with your friends.

• When there's science to be done … stay focused!
• When there are things to learn … investigate!

Remember that the purpose of the day is gather observations that will help answer the "big question"…

Here are some tips that will help you investigate the health of your local river…

Collect Accurate Data

I always say the job's not finished until all the paperwork is done!

Professional ecologists around the world use the same science equipment that you'll use during a River Watch Field Trip. You'll perform real science to collect real data. Be very careful and make the most accurate measurements you can.

Listen carefully to the science talk given by your raft guide. If measurements are done incorrectly, in a hurry or without real care and accuracy, the purpose of the day will be lost.

• If you're not sure what to do with the science equipment, just ask!
• If you run into problems, ask your guide for help.
• It's all right to start over if mistakes have been made.

Get The Most Out Of The Day!

This is a once-in-a-life-opportunity. Learn as much as you can!

You'll never get another one-day opportunity like this. Don't be shy - this is your day and your education! Get involved!

• Be interested in the world around you.
• Learn as much as you can about science and the health of the river.
• Learn on purpose … not by chance.
• Do more than just "get through the day".

Ask Questions!

Be sure to ask questions and investigate! Don't stand around waiting - seize the day! Don't wait for the answers to come to you - go looking for answers!

• Think up questions. Ask for answers. Talk to people.

Use the Experts!

Professional raft and science guides are there to help you!

You have professional guides, rafts and science kits at your disposal for an entire day - use these resources! River Watch is at your service.

• Experts like questions. In fact, the more questions that you ask, the more they'll tell you without even being asked!



• Experts like a good audience. The more involved you are, the more involved the experts become.



• Your raft guide is very familiar with the ecology of your river. If you see something that you don't understand, ask your guide. Other students will also benefit from hearing the answers.

Learn From Your Classmates!

Hey, kule bugs!

When a classmate asks a question, listen to the answer! They may have thought of something that you need to know.

• Be sure to participate in discussions about interesting observations!
  
  
• If you finish your assigned science task early, visit other groups of students and find out what they're doing. Ask them how they did things.
  
  
• Take a look at the invertebrates other students collect at each stop. Be sure that you can identify them all. Look for unusual organisms.

Get The Big Picture!

Before leaving a study site, look at the data sheet and compare the results with the previous sample site data.

• Point out data patterns and trends and suggest reasons. Ask the experts what they think of your ideas.
  
  
• At the end of the trip, participate in a summary of what you've learned and observed. You might be tired and looking forward to a bus seat back to school, but don't miss the final opportunity to "get the big picture"!

One of our RiverWatch students noticed that they never saw seagulls flying over a bay along the river. When they asked me why this never happened, I said, "That's easy…
… because then they'd be "bagels"!