RiverWatch STSE Emphasis

The Alberta Science curriculum examines environmental issues through a focus on "Science, Technology, Society and the Environment" (STSE). RiverWatch is an excellent vehicle for raising awareness of real-world STSE issues.

In Our Own Backyards

The best environmental education doesn't always take people to pristine and protected parks. RiverWatch shows people the real world of human impact, waste management and engineering technology right in their own backyards.

Students examine the iron-and-diesel-containing storm water discharge from a railway yard

• Wastewater management is introduced through facility tours in a way that is fun, convenient and relevant.



• Students observe effluent discharges from industrial, storm water and domestic sources.



• Students float past a variety of land uses including industry, parks, roadways, railways, golf courses, residential areas, abandoned dumps and water treatment.

Community Impact

Students touring a wastewater treatment facility view the impact of large urban communities

Municipal wastewater has been a large polluter of Alberta rivers for many years. Through RiverWatch, students are confronted first-hand by the impact of their own lifestyles.

Rather than looking for environmental "bad guys", RiverWatch encourages communities to identify their collective impact and together, seek better environmental solutions.