The Chicago Academy of Sciences
presents
Children of the River
Overview of Video and Guide
Children of the River focuses on the pioneering work of Dr. William Stapp
and his team of graduate students as they empower concerned residents of
a small community with the knowledge and the tools to make a difference.
The documentary examines the case of a river on Walpole Island, a small
Native-American reservation in Canada, where residents claimed that industrial
wastes were making the water unhealthy. With the help of local teachers,
Dr. Stapp introduced his Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN)
to the schools, teaching students to perform important chemical and biological
tests to determine the quality of water in the river. These young citizens
learned to use their test results to support their claims when they faced
industry and community leaders, and they will continue, year after year,
to take action on the river's behalf.
Water is vital to life on this planet. GREEN was developed out of a recognition
that our planet's well-being depends upon its quality. Currently, the uncertain
quality of our waters threatens the health of 70% of all people, and endangers
countless other species. The project was launched in 1989 with workshops
in 19 countries. Presently, over 120 countries receive the GREEN Newsletter,
and many are initiating water study programs and developing strategies for
participating in network. GREEN now involves thousands of students in Asia,
Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania. The GREEN Project
promotes both social responsibility and intercultural communication, as
individuals from more than 120 countries share their results and problem-solving
strategies with newsletters and computer networks.
The goals of the video and the Science Explorers guide are to:
1. give students an increased awareness and sensitivity to environmental
issues.
2. show students opportunities for them to take action to preserve our natural
resources.
3. illustrate the importance of cooperation among individuals, organizations,
and nations.
4. explore career opportunities in science-related fields.
Table of Contents
This abridged guide was developed from a more comprehensive guide created
by a writing team of teachers, educational staff of the host Science Explorer
Partner, and cooperating scientists. The comprehensive guide contains classroom
activities, field trips, and career information to encourage students to
consider science careers and have fun in science. The comprehensive guides
were developed with the support of the Office of Science Education Programs
of the U.S. Department of Energy.
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