Reflections on the River
by Judy Butler, May, 2008
Reflections on the River is a new website that will act as portal to resources available from a variety of agencies and programs in Tennessee for teachers, students, and community members interested in using rivers and the environment as an exciting classroom. Using rivers as the anchor for interdisciplinary instruction will focus student's learning on critical thinking, decision-making, and problem solving.
It is important to find ways to get students vested in their learning. One way to do that is to put the spotlight on water. When children turn on the faucet in their kitchen and pour a glass of water encourage them to think about what they are drinking. Where did it come from and where has it been? What is involved in the process of purification to make it safe and healthy to drink? What is the impact of the community on the quality of water in that glass? Inquiry into real problems and the scientific research to support the questions and answers is the foundation of good education. This website will provide information for teachers on how to set the stage, provide the tools, and guide student to think about important environmental issues in their community.
Using works of art that focus onthe beauty of rivers is an important avenue to engage students in inquiry around the theme of water. One place to begin is with photography. For inspiration, join us at the Tennessee State Museum for an exhibit of river photographs taken by John Guider on his amazing river journey.