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River Fieldwork Techniques

Rivers are popular locations for completing geographical investigations.

Rivers are popular locations for completing geographical investigations. This is because they are dynamic systems, which means they are constantly changing. Processes of erosion , transportation and deposition lead to changes along the long profile of a river as well as its cross profile.

When investigating rivers the Bradshaw Model can be used to create questions and hypothesis to investigate.

The Bradshaw Model

The Bradshaw Model suggests that certain changes occur along the long profile of a typical river. For example, discharge increases as you move downstream of a river or bedload (material on the river bed) particle size decreases along the river channel.

Questions that can be investigated during river fieldwork include:

• How and why does discharge increase along the long profile of River X?
• How and why does sediment size change along the long profile of River X?
• How and why does sediment size change along the cross profile of River X?
• How and why does channel depth change along the cross profile of River X?
• How and why does the wetted perimeter change along the long profile of River X?
• How do width and depth change along the long profile of River X?
• How and why does the cross profile change along the long profile of River X?
• How and why do bedload size and roundness change across the cross profile of River X?

Questions that focus on changes along the long profile or downstream changes support in developing a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement, usually an educated guess, that you will either prove or disprove through the data you collect as part of your investigation.

Primary Field Work Techniques

In order to prove or disprove your hypothesis, you will need to collect primary data as part of your investigation. Depending on what your hypothesis is you will need to decide what data you need to collect and how you will do this. This forms part of your investigation method.

Measuring the discharge of a river

What is the discharge of a river?

The discharge of a river is the volume of water flowing through a river channel. It is usually measured in cubic metres per second.

How do you measure it?

It is not possible to measure river discharge directly in the field. Instead, you need to take measurements that allow you to calculate discharge.

Discharge(m3/s) = Cross sectional area(m2) × Velocity (m/s) Cross sectional area (m2) = Width(m) × Mean depth(m)

In order to calculate Discharge we must measure Width, Depth and Velocity.

Why measure it?

According to the Bradshaw model as you move downstream river discharge should increase. This is because tributaries will feed the river leading to an increase in discharge.

Measuring the velocity of a river

What is the velocity of a river?

The velocity of a river is the speed the water flows. The velocity will change along the course of a river.

If you have a flow meter it is very easy to measure the velocity of a river in the field. If you don’t have a flow meter you can take measurements in the field using a float, stopwatch and tape measure. Once you have recorded the appropriate data you can use the formula below to calculate the velocity.

Velocity = Distance / Time

There is a range of things you can use for a float including an orange. We recommend dog biscuits because they break down in water if swept away!

To gather your data you need to measure a distance of 5 metres downstream. Place your float in the water upstream at 0m. Record the time it takes for the float to travel 5m. Repeat this three times and calculate the mean. Next, use the above formula to calculate the velocity.

According to the Bradshaw Model velocity increases from source to mouth.

Measuring river depth

What is river depth?

River depth is how deep a river is. Depth changes across a river channel due to material on the river bed. Therefore,  it is useful to calculate the mean depth.

Place a metre ruler into the river until it touches the river bed. Record the distance between the river bed and the surface of the water. You should do this at regular intervals between the banks of the river. Add the depths together and divide by the number of recordings you took to calculate the mean depth.

Tip: If the bed is rough and bumpy, you will need more measurements at closer intervals to get an accurate result.

To calculate the cross-sectional area you will need to know the mean depth. According to the Bradshaw Model depth increases from the source to the mouth of a river.

Measuring river width

What is the width of a river?

The width of a river is the distance between the points where water comes into contact with each river bank.

Extend a tape measure from the point where the dry bank meets the water on one side of the river to the same point on the other side (hold it taut about 20cm above water level). Record the length, viewing the reading from directly above the tape measure.

Measuring the width of the river channel enables you to calculate the cross-sectional area. Also, according to the Bradshaw Model, channel width increases downstream.

Measuring the wetter perimeter of a river

What is the wetted perimeter?

The wetted perimeter or occupied channel width is the entire length of the bed and river bank (sides) in contact with water.

Wetter perimeter = Width + Depth + Depth

According to the Bradshaw Model, the wetted perimeter of a river should increase along its course.

Measuring the cross profile of a river

What is the cross profile?

River cross profiles show you a cross-section of a river’s channel and valley at certain points in the river’s course.

Multiply the average depth by the width of the river channel.

The cross profile of a river changes as it moves from the upper to lower course as a result of changes in the river’s energy and the processes that the river carries out.

Measuring sediment size and type

What is sediment size and type?

The aim of this is to measure the size and shape of a sample of stones from each site visited in the river.

At each site along the river move across the river and select 10 different stones found on the river bed. You should use a random method of collection – put the metre ruler into the water and pick up whatever stone it is touching. Use the ruler or callipers to measure the long axes of each stone (the longest two points on the stone) – this should be recorded in cm. Use the Powers Index of Roundness to observe and compare the shape of the stone and record this.

Power’s Index of Roundness

Load particle size decreases along the long profile of a river. Bedload becomes less angular along the course of a river.

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This module, comprising five lessons, or half a term's work, focuses on Rivers. Pupils will learn that rivers and river systems, are dynamic; changing the landscape in visible and at times dramatic ways. While only a fraction of the world’s fresh water is visible in lakes and rivers, river systems can have a fundamental impact on peoples’ lives.  

Pupils begin by examining a model river system, following the journey of a river through its upper, middle and lower course; from its source in the mountains, through the meanders of flatter land, to the estuary and its mouth. They will also understand the process of flooding and why and how rivers breach their banks. Using a case study of a recent flood events in the UK, pupils then see the causes and consequences of flooding in real life and how flooding effects both people and places.

In the third and fourth lessons, the focus will move to the River Thames; the UK’s second longest, but arguably most iconic river. In the third lesson, pupils will understand the geographical location of the main rivers in the UK. Then, looking closely at three OS map extracts at different points along the River Thames, pupils develop their map skills undertaking a range of tasks. These mapping activities will also highlight the physical features of the river system and ask pupils for evidence of how the use of the River Thames has changed over time. As a homework activity, pupils will be asked to locate the main rivers in each of the world’s seven continents. In the fourth lesson, the characteristics of the river and surrounding landscape, at different points along its course will be located and examined. The role of the Thames Flood Barrier, one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world, will also be highlighted. 

In the fifth lesson, the focus turns to North and South America, as well as England’s highest unbroken waterfall. Pupils will learn about the structure and formation of waterfalls. Using case studies of the Niagara Falls on the US/Canadian border and the Angel Falls in Venezuela, pupils will understand more about the physical and human geography of these spectacular river features. Gaping Gill, England’s highest unbroken waterfall will also be featured. Locational knowledge of the major rivers in each continent will be covered in this lesson.

As a close to the module, pupils are encouraged to gain first-hand experience of a river through conducting fieldwork at a local river. Fieldwork is a key component of the National Curriculum. Seeing the features of a river in a real life context is also invaluable for pupil understanding. Recognising key features, asking geographical questions of their own environment, and looking for evidence can only make for better geographers.

What all lessons in the module have in common is a desire to make geography exciting and stimulating and based on real places. In addition the emphasis throughout is ensuring that, as teachers, we use the correct vocabulary when explaining processes geographically, reinforce locational and place knowledge and, likewise, expect our pupils to do the same.

Journey of a River 

In this lesson, pupils will understand how rivers are formed. In outlining a model of a river system, pupils will understand that the features of a river and the surrounding landscape change from source to mouth. Using photographs pupils will learn that the upper course of a river is characterised by steep land, turbulent water and V shaped river valleys. In the middle course, land is flatter and rivers widen and begin to meander. Looking in more depth at key physical processes, pupils will gain an understanding of erosion, transportation and deposition and the role these processes play in shaping the river. The formation of oxbow lakes will also be discussed. Finally, pupils will learn that, in the lower course, rivers are often at their widest and have the potential to form deltas.

In lesson two, pupils will understand the theory of flooding; why and how rivers succumb to overbank flow. Rivers flood for many reasons: in response to heavy or prolonged rainfall, due to the topography of the landscape, and morphology of rocks and soils. Human activity also plays its part; with growing urbanisation often comes an increased likelihood of flooding. By examining a case study of flood events in the UK, the 2007 floods in Gloucestershire in which the River Severn and River Avon burst their banks, pupils will also recognise that flooding has both an immediate impact on the physical environment, but also significantly impacts the surrounding community. 

Mapping the River Thames

Pupils will begin by locating the UK’s major rivers before studying, in detail, the River Thames, which is the UK’s second longest river. From its source on the outskirts of the village of Kemble at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, the River Thames flows through 346 km of South East England, before joining the North Sea, at its mouth at the Thames Estuary in Essex. This lesson will investigate the characteristics of the river and its surrounding landscape. It will also highlight the changing nature of human interaction with the river. Pupils will also understand why the River Thames is liable to flooding and the measures put in place to advert a major incident.   

The River Thames

In the fourth lesson, the River Thames will again be the focus of geographical enquiry. Pupils will use three Ordnance Survey  map extracts to investigate the features of the river and surrounding landscape; both rural and urban. They will gain an understanding of how topography is shown on a map. In a mapping task, pupils will learn the significance of keys, contour lines, four figure and six figure grid references, grid squares, distance, scale and direction as they answer questions and interrogate evidence.

Waterfalls are arguably the most impressive of the all features of a river. Pupils will understand how waterfalls are formed and their key characteristics. Three different waterfalls will then be located and investigated. Firstly the Niagara Falls in North America, which is not one, but in fact three different waterfalls; situated on the Niagara River flowing north from Lake Erie in the United States to Lake Ontario in Canada. Secondly, the Angel Falls in South America, located in Canaima National Park, Venezuela. The Angel Falls, at 979 metres high, is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. Finally, Gaping Gill in North Yorkshire, at 100 metres is England’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. The uses made of these waterfalls from hydroelectric power to tourism will also be investigated.

About the author

Following a research career, Anna Brace re-trained as a teacher and taught for 7 years at Grange Park Primary School, Enfield. She was a representative on the Rediscovering London’s Geography project and coordinated the Royal Geographical Society’s Enfield CPD network for primary geography. In 2015 Anna became Head of Geography at Keble Prep School where she teaches Senior School geography to pupils in Year 5 to Year 8. She is involved in the RGS/IAPS project, London: A Subject Hub for Geography, and is also coordinating the Enfield CPD network for teachers both in the Independent and Maintained sectors.

This resource has been developed as part of the Rediscovering London's Geography project, funded by the GLA through the London Schools Excellence Fund. It seeks to improve the quality of teaching and learning of geography in London’s schools, in addition to encouraging more pupils to study geography

Journey of a River

File name Files

Rivers Module Overview

Rivers Module Overview PDF

Rivers Module Plan

Rivers Module Plan PDF

This resource has been developed as part of the Rediscovering London's Geography project, funded by the GLA through the London Schools Excellence Fund. It seeks to improve the quality of teaching and learning of geography in London’s schools, in addition to encouraging more pupils to study geography

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River system models

• 2 Data and Tools
• 3.1 State of the Science Report

River system models, also called water system models, operations models, planning models, and policy models, are computer-based representations of river basins, and associated water supply and distribution systems, that can simulate historical, current, and future conditions under scenarios involving different hydrologic assumptions, and even different operational, policy, and infrastructure assumptions. They simulate the movement of water through the network of inflows, diversions, uses, storage, and outflows, meeting physical water mass-balance constraints while also following all of the rules for water allocation and reservoir operations to the extent that they are represented in the model.

Many generalized modeling tools and frameworks have been developed over the past several decades, with different advantages and disadvantages relative to specific applications. Most larger municipal utilities and water districts, and state water agencies, in the basin use one of these tools, though some may employ simpler spreadsheet models.

NOTE: In August 2021, Reclamation's Colorado River Modeling Group consolidated the functions of the 24-Month Study Model (24MS) and the Mid-term Probabilistic Operations Model (MTOM)--itself an offshoot of 24MS--in a single modeling platform: the Colorado River Mid-term Modeling System (CRMMS). CRMMS is run in two modes: 24-Month Study Mode and Ensemble Mode, which map onto the prior functions of 24MS and MTOM, respectively.

Reclamation maintains two primary system models for the basin, implemented in the RiverWare modeling framework:

• 24-Month Study Model (24MS) - short-term (1-2 years) projections for operational decision-making
• Mid-term Probabilistic Operations Model (MTOM) - mid-term (1-5 years) projections for risk-based operational planning
• Colorado River Simulation System (CRSS) - long-term (5-50 years) projections for planning studies and policy analysis

These Reclamation models, and similar system models operated by other agencies, translate inflow scenarios--which are themselves informed by a complex chain of research, data, and tools--into water supply outcomes that are meaningful to water managers, water users, and other interests in the basin. These simulated outcomes may directly determine near-term operational decisions (such as Reclamation's Annual Operating Plan) or guide discussions and policy-making over longer time spans.

Data and Tools

Data and tools for the primary Reclamation models are listed on their respective pages:

• Colorado River Mid-term Modeling System (CRMMS)
• Colorado River Simulation System (CRSS)

Additional Resources

State of the science report.

Chapter 3 of the State of the Science report, Primary Planning Tools, describes the three primary Reclamation system models in detail.

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Year 6 Geography Project: A River Model

Year 6 students are learning about rivers and their features, as well as exploring rivers around the world. They were enthusiastic about building a model of a river that included all of the river’s components and presenting it to the class.

What are the features of a river?

As part of our rivers topic, we made 3d models of a river system..

First of all, we built a base using cardboard and newspaper.  We then added Modroc in layers to create the landscape.  Finally, we painted our models and labelled the river features.

The model made by James and Toby stood out because they worked hard on building the landscape of the mountains and the contours of the land.

James and Toby Year 5 March 2017 Skills:  Star Exploring, Teamwork, Geography

75+ Creative Geography Project Ideas: From Peaks to Oceans

Embark on a journey of exploration with our creative geography project ideas, designed to make learning about the world an exciting adventure for students of all ages

Geography, often confined to the realms of maps and coordinates, is a subject with the power to transcend traditional boundaries and ignite the spark of creativity.

In this exploration, we embark on a journey beyond conventional study, unveiling a treasure trove of creative geography project ideas that promise to make the subject come alive.

From interactive digital maps that tell stories to sustainable initiatives that weave environmental awareness, these projects are designed to transform the way we perceive and engage with geography.

Join us as we delve into a world where geography isn’t just a subject; it’s an adventure waiting to unfold through the lens of creativity.

Table of Contents

Creative Geography Project Ideas

Check out creative geography project ideas:-

Physical Geography

• Rock Formation Exploration: Create a display showcasing various rock formations, explaining their origins and significance.
• Weathering and Erosion Diorama: Build a diorama illustrating the processes of weathering and erosion on different landforms.
• Hydrological Cycle Demonstration: Create a visual representation of the hydrological cycle, emphasizing the movement of water through different physical features.
• Extreme Weather Analysis: Research and present a report on extreme weather events in your region, including their impact on physical geography.
• Topographic Map Challenge: Develop a game or challenge for classmates to read and interpret topographic maps.
• River Basin Modeling: Build a 3D model of a river basin, showcasing how water flows through the landscape.
• Geological Time Capsul: Collect and curate samples representing different geological eras, creating a time capsule for classmates to explore.
• Natural Disaster Preparedness Plan: Develop a plan for your community to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, considering the physical geography.
• Coastal Erosion Simulation: Use sand and water to simulate coastal erosion and explore its impact on different coastal features.
• Biome Investigation: Choose a specific biome and create a comprehensive report on its physical characteristics, flora, and fauna.

Human Geography

• Cultural Exchange Fair: Organize a cultural fair showcasing different aspects of your community’s diverse cultures.
• Demographic Changes Over Time: Analyze historical census data to understand how demographics in your community have changed over time.
• Urban Planning Challenge: Develop a plan for sustainable urban development in your community, considering population growth and environmental impact.
• Globalization Impact Survey: Conduct a survey to gather opinions on how globalization has impacted local businesses and communities.
• Community Storytelling Project: Collect personal stories from community members to create an oral history archive reflecting the human geography of your area.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation Proposal: Develop a proposal for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of your community.
• Migration Patterns Analysis: Research and present a report on historical and current migration patterns in your community.
• Impact of Technology on Social Interactions: Investigate how technology has influenced social interactions in your community and present your findings.
• Community Resilience Plan: Develop a plan to enhance your community’s resilience in the face of economic challenges.
• Community Tourism Campaign: Create a campaign promoting local tourism and emphasizing the cultural attractions of your community.

Economic Geography

• Supply Chain Simulation: Develop a simulation game illustrating the complexities of global supply chains and their impact on economies.
• Entrepreneurship Challenge: Organize a competition for students to develop innovative business ideas that contribute to local economic development.
• Trade Policy Analysis: Research and write a report on the impact of trade policies on your community’s economy.
• Economic Disparities Investigation: Conduct a study on economic disparities within your community and propose strategies for improvement.
• Future Job Market Trends: Research and present a report on anticipated job market trends in your region and their economic implications.
• Local Business Sustainability Plan: Develop a sustainability plan for a local business, considering economic, social, and environmental factors.
• Impact of Automation on Employment: Investigate how automation technologies may affect local employment opportunities and propose solutions.
• Circular Economy Initiative: Develop a plan for implementing circular economy principles in your community to reduce waste and enhance economic sustainability.
• Investment Portfolio Simulation: Create a simulated investment portfolio reflecting the economic sectors present in your region.
• Local Economic Innovation Challenge: Organize a challenge for students to propose innovative ideas to stimulate economic innovation in your community.

Political Geography

• International Relations Simulation: Conduct a simulation of international relations, considering geopolitical events and alliances.
• Conflict Resolution Workshop: Organize a workshop on conflict resolution, exploring strategies for resolving political conflicts in communities.
• Geopolitical Risk Analysis: Research and present a report on geopolitical risks that may impact your country or region.
• Local Governance Improvement Proposal: Develop a proposal for improving local governance structures and processes.
• Comparative Political Systems Analysis: Compare the political systems of different countries and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.
• Political Ideology Debate: Organize a debate on different political ideologies, exploring their implications for governance.
• Human Rights Advocacy Campaign: Develop a campaign advocating for human rights, focusing on political issues within your community.
• Analysis of Political Representation: Conduct a study on the representation of different groups in local politics and propose measures for inclusivity.
• International Diplomacy Simulation: Simulate international diplomacy negotiations, exploring how countries interact on a global scale.
• Impact of Media on Political Opinion: Investigate the role of media in shaping political opinions in your community and present your findings.

Environmental Geography

• Biodiversity Conservation Plan: Develop a plan for conserving biodiversity in a local natural area, considering flora and fauna.
• Sustainable Agriculture Project: Create a sustainable agriculture project focusing on environmentally friendly farming practices.
• Environmental Education Campaign: Develop a campaign to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote eco-friendly behaviors.
• Impact of Air Quality on Health: Conduct a study on how air quality affects public health in your community and propose solutions.
• Waste Management Improvement Plan: Develop a plan for improving waste management practices, emphasizing recycling and reducing waste.
• Climate Action Initiative: Create a comprehensive plan for addressing climate change impacts on your community.
• Renewable Energy Feasibility Study: Research and present a feasibility study on the implementation of renewable energy sources in your region.
• Ecosystem Restoration Project: Develop a project to restore a local ecosystem affected by human activities.
• Water Conservation Campaign: Organize a campaign to promote water conservation practices in your community.
• Community Green Space Enhancement: Develop a plan to enhance and expand green spaces in your community, promoting environmental well-being.

These project ideas aim to inspire students to explore the diverse facets of geography while engaging in hands-on, real-world applications.

What should be included in a geography project?

Embarking on a geography project is like setting off on a thrilling exploration of Earth’s wonders. Here’s your roadmap for creating a project that not only educates but also captivates:

Unveil the Excitement

Kick off with a splashy introduction that sparks curiosity. Imagine your project as the opening scene of a blockbuster movie – it’s got to grab attention!

Set the Scene

Paint a vivid picture by offering a quick background. Why is your chosen geography topic so fascinating or important? Let your audience in on the excitement.

Project Objectives Unveiled

Clearly lay out the goals of your project. What mysteries are you aiming to unravel? Share your objectives, like clues to a treasure hunt.

Spill the Data Secrets

Dish out the deets on your data collection methods. Did you embark on a daring field expedition or decode hidden patterns in existing research? Spill the secrets!

Show off your findings with flair! Utilize visuals – charts, graphs, or maps – to make your data dazzle. Let the numbers tell a story that even a geography newbie can follow.

Geography in 3D

If your project allows, bring it to life with maps, models, or diagrams. Think of it as creating a mini world where your audience can step into the geographical wonder you’re unveiling.

Case Studies: Geo-Detective Style

If you’ve got case studies up your sleeve, present them like a seasoned detective solving a mystery. Dive into the details, spill the clues, and reveal the “aha” moments.

Impact Unleashed

Analyze the impact of your geographical findings – it’s like decoding the aftermath of an epic adventure. Discuss how the geographical elements influence the world around them.

Spot the Oddities

Play the comparison game. Spot the similarities and differences, the geographical oddities that make your topic stand out. It’s like finding hidden gems in a crowded landscape.

Geo-Conclusions

It’s the grand finale! Summarize your findings and dish out the conclusions. Make it the satisfying ending to a captivating geography tale.

Bold Recommendations (if you dare)

If your project sparks ideas for change or improvement, lay them out boldly. Your recommendations are like the plot twists that keep the geography story evolving.

Sources: The Detective’s Notebook

List your sources – the trail of clues that led you to your geographical revelations. It’s like giving credit to the brilliant minds who paved the way for your exploration.

Applause for Allies

Shout out to anyone who lent a helping hand. Acknowledge the allies who made your geography journey smoother, like a team celebrating a successful mission.

Spice with Visual Delights

Sprinkle your project with visual treats – images, maps, or even a sprinkle of humor. Keep it visually engaging, like a graphic novel bringing geography to life.

Remember, your geography project isn’t just a report; it’s a thrilling adventure, and you’re the guide leading your audience through uncharted territories. Let the geography magic unfold!

What are the themes of the geography project?

Embarking on a geography project is like choosing the theme for an epic adventure, and the themes are the landscapes you’ll explore. Let’s ditch the formalities and spice it up:

Eco-Warriors Unleashed: Nature’s Showdown

Dive into the wild side of geography! Explore how ecosystems, biodiversity, and human activities tango with the environment. It’s like a nature showdown—who will emerge victorious?

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Where Cultures Collide and Conspire

Pack your bags for a global journey through human geography. Uncover the tapestry of cultures, languages, and the intricate dance of societies. It’s a kaleidoscope of human stories!

Climate Chronicles: Weathering Earth’s Drama

Get ready for a weather report like no other! Dive into the drama of climate geography—uncover patterns, changes, and the stories behind every raindrop. Earth’s weather, the ultimate drama queen!

Urban Utopia or Dystopia: Cityscape Rollercoaster

Fasten your seatbelts for the urban geography rollercoaster! Explore the highs and lows of city life, from megacities to cozy towns. Will it be a utopian ride or a dystopian plunge?

Mapping Marvels: Cartography Quest

Grab your magnifying glass and join the Cartography Quest! Uncover the secrets of maps, spatial wizardry, and the art of turning landscapes into masterpieces. X marks the spot!

Resource Odyssey: Earth’s Hidden Treasures Hunt

Set sail on an economic geography adventure! Hunt for Earth’s hidden treasures—resources! Explore their distribution, utilization, and the impact they have on economies. It’s a treasure hunt with a global twist!

Political Frontiers Unraveled: Global Chessboard Intrigues

Time to play geopolitical chess! Unravel the mysteries of political geography—boundaries, conflicts, and the intricate moves on Earth’s chessboard. Checkmate or check again?

Historical Geography Journeys: Time-Traveler’s Guide

Step into the time-traveler’s shoes! Explore landscapes shaped by historical events. It’s like flipping through Earth’s photo album and witnessing the stories etched in its terrain.

Sustainable Futures: Green Revolution Blueprint

Become a sustainability superhero! Craft the blueprint for a green revolution—sustainable development, conservation, and eco-friendly practices. Mother Earth needs you!

Globalization Odyssey: Culture Clash and Fusion

Brace yourself for a cultural rollercoaster! Dive into the globalization Odyssey—explore its impact on cultures, economies, and the intriguing dance of global connections. It’s a mashup of traditions and trends!

Remember, your theme is the compass guiding your geography adventure. Choose the one that sparks your curiosity and promises the most thrilling exploration. Let the geography games begin!

How do you make geography hands on?

Making geography hands-on is like turning the pages of an interactive atlas. Here are some engaging ways to bring geography to life and make it a tactile, immersive experience:

Map Masterpieces

• Activity: Create 3D maps using different materials.
• How: Use clay, salt dough, or even papier-mâché to mold physical features like mountains, rivers, and valleys. Paint and label your map for an interactive geography masterpiece.

Geo-Culinary Adventure

• Activity: Cook and taste your way around the world.
• How: Pick recipes from different countries, gather the ingredients, and whip up a global feast. Learn about the geography and culture while enjoying a delicious hands-on experience.

Virtual Field Trips

• Activity: Explore different landscapes virtually.
• How: Use virtual reality (VR) apps or online resources to take a virtual field trip to diverse  geographical locations . It’s like having the world at your fingertips without leaving your seat.

Earth Science Experiments

• Activity: Investigate natural phenomena.
• How: Conduct experiments related to geographical concepts, like creating a model volcano to understand volcanic eruptions or simulating erosion with water and sand. It’s hands-on science in action!

Geo-Crafting Extravaganza

• Activity: Craft geographical features.
• How: Get creative with crafts to replicate geographical elements. Make a salt dough relief map or construct a mini ecosystem in a jar. Crafting turns geography into art.

Geography Games Galore

• Activity: Play interactive geography games.
• How: Explore board games, online quizzes, or apps that turn geography into a game. It’s a fun way to reinforce knowledge while engaging in friendly competition.

Outdoor Exploration

• Activity: Field trips and nature walks.
• How: Take learning outdoors. Visit local parks, nature reserves, or landmarks. It’s a hands-on way to connect classroom knowledge with the real world.

Mystery Geography

• Activity: Solve geographical mysteries.
• How: Create mystery challenges related to geographical concepts. Students become detectives deciphering clues and solving puzzles to uncover the location. It’s geography meets detective work.
• Activity: Act out geographical scenarios.
• How: Role-play historical events or simulate geographical processes. Whether it’s acting out a cultural exchange or dramatizing weather patterns, it’s a hands-on way to understand complex concepts.

Geography Through Technology

• Activity: Use digital tools for exploration.
• How: Leverage interactive apps, online mapping tools, and GIS platforms. It’s like having a digital atlas with dynamic features at your fingertips.

Sensory Mapping

• Activity: Engage multiple senses in mapping.
• How: Incorporate textures, scents, and even sounds into map-making. This multisensory approach enhances the learning experience and makes geography more memorable.

Storytelling Adventures

• Activity: Craft geographical stories.
• How: Encourage students to write or illustrate geographical stories. It could be a travel diary, a mythical journey, or an adventure exploring different climates. It’s geography through storytelling.

Geo-Puzzles

• Activity: Solve geographical puzzles.
• How: Use jigsaw puzzles featuring maps or geography-related images. It’s a hands-on way to piece together the world.

Cultural Show and Tell

• Activity: Share cultural artifacts.
• How: Encourage students to bring in or showcase artifacts from different cultures. It’s like creating a mini-museum in the classroom.

Making geography hands-on transforms it from a theoretical concept to a dynamic, memorable experience. With these activities, learning geography becomes an adventure rather than a lesson.

And there you have it—the grand finale of our whirlwind journey through creative geography project ideas! As we wrap up, let’s not just close a chapter but imagine it as the final scene of an adventure movie where the heroes have unearthed hidden treasures and left us craving more.

From shaping 3D maps that practically breathe to cooking up a storm with global flavors, these projects have been more than just dots on a map. They’re like magic portals transporting us to lands unknown, stirring the pot of curiosity and inviting us to taste the diverse flavors of our world.

In this tapestry of themes—whether we’re battling the weather drama, riding the urban rollercoaster, or weaving through the cultural kaleidoscope—we’re not merely studying geography; we’re part of an epic saga, each project a thrilling chapter.

So, as we bid adieu to this creative geography extravaganza, remember, these projects are not just a means to an academic end. They’re passports to becoming explorers, chefs, scientists, and storytellers, navigating the globe with creativity as our compass.

In the grand spirit of exploration, let your projects be the launchpad for endless curiosity. Whether you’re molding mountains from clay, savoring global delights, or cracking geographical mysteries, envision your projects not as tasks but as adventures waiting to be unleashed.

In the vast world of geography, where every landscape tells a story, let your projects be the storytellers. May your geographical adventures be filled with wonder, discovery, and the joy of unraveling the mysteries that make our world extraordinary. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can teachers assess these projects.

Assessment can be based on creativity, research depth, and presentation skills. Rubrics can be tailored to each project’s unique requirements.

Are there variations for remote learning environments?

Certainly! Many projects can be adapted for remote learning, utilizing virtual collaboration tools and online resources.

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1.3.4: Models in Geography

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• Michael E. Ritter
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point via The Physical Environment

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A  model  is simply a representation of a real thing. You have seen and used models in the past, like a globe which is a model of the earth. Geographers construct models to analyze geographic processes because the real object of study may be too large to examine, the processes which created it operate over too long of a time frame, or experimentation might actually harm or destroy it. For instance, physical geographers construct  physical models  like stream tables to investigate the impact of hydrological processes on the earth. A stream table is more or less like a shallow sink filled with earth material similar to the land surface of interest. Water is applied to the material to see what effect varying amounts of water have on the erosion of the surface. Models may be simple  conceptual models  such as a box and arrow diagram showing the flows of energy between compartments of an ecosystem. Climate scientists use elaborate  mathematical or numerical models . These could be complex numerical statements programmed into a  computer model  representing the impact of increasing carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere on global temperature.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Soil Scientists examine model of plots to investigate soil erosion (Source: Ben Nichols, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service)

Video : Climate in a Box (Courtesy NASA)

Science News by AGU

A New Model for River Meanders

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Source: Water Resources Research

Every time a river floods, it subtly or drastically changes its path. Scientists have long strived to capture this complex process in mathematical models because it includes many variables , including the softness or hardness of the soil the river erodes , groundwater , and the vegetation within and along its shores.

Now a new computer simulation of how rivers evolve over time comes one step closer to capturing that complexity. The finding could help scientists better predict how floods will remodel a river’s banks and affect the people in its path.

A realistic simulation of river evolution must be able to reproduce a wide variety of meanders: the horizontal and vertical detours it makes as it travels downstream. These meanders are formed by the removal and deposition of silt, sand, mud, and rocks along the outside and inside of bends, which build up characteristic features such as scroll bars —ridges of sand and mud that accumulate on a river’s inside curve—and oxbow lakes , crescent-shaped lakes that form when a river’s main stream cuts off one of its meanders.

In their mathematical model of how a meandering river and floodplain interact over time, Bogoni et al. attempt to simulate how scroll bars and oxbow lakes form and affect meanders by tweaking variables such as the softness of the soil. At first the model river flowed in a straight line, but as the scientists made the floodplain easier or harder to erode, it wobbled, producing meandering undulations.

The most realistic meanders formed when the scroll bars and oxbow lakes left behind in previous floods were harder to erode than the surrounding floodplain, the team reports. The finding illustrates how a river’s history affects its present and future course: The traces a river leaves behind define the route it can take. ( Water Resources Research , https://doi.org/10.1002/2017WR020726 , 2017)

—Emily Underwood, Freelance Writer

Underwood, E. (2017), A new model for river meanders, Eos, 98 , https://doi.org/10.1029/2017EO078667 . Published on 02 August 2017.

Text © 2017. The authors. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 Except where otherwise noted, images are subject to copyright. Any reuse without express permission from the copyright owner is prohibited.

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Using a Model River to Investigate How Wood Moves During Floods

By: Josie Welsh (Graduate Student, CU GEOG), and Bridget Mendel (communications at Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL))

In a large windowless room and with the hum of a motor steadily pumping water, brightly painted sticks are dropped one at a time into the top of a model river system. Carried by the flow of water, these sticks travel downstream and bump into vertical dowels which form an artificial floodplain forest. Sometimes the sticks bounce off of the dowels and continue their trip. Other times, they get stuck. Slowly, large accumulations of sticks are trapped behind the model trees. Nearby, Master’s student Josie Welsh watches her computer monitor: each dropped stick generates new data that she will spend the upcoming months analyzing.

Figure 1: Master’s student Josie Welsh monitoring the physical experiment during an experiment in January 2024.

Josie is finishing her first year as a graduate student in the geography department at CU Boulder, under advisor Dr. Katherine Lininger, who leads the Riverine Ecogeomorphology Lab at CU. Her work is part of a larger NSF funded project that seeks to answer the question: How does wood move through floodplains, where does it accumulate, and what controls the resulting patterns we observe on floodplains?

Figure 2: A wood jam on the West Creek floodplain near Estes Park, CO. 

To answer these questions, Josie travels to the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) in Minneapolis, MN. SAFL has specialized equipment and expert engineers that have made Josie’s experiments possible, allowing her to isolate and explore particular relationships in complicated natural systems. For each experiment, she models different forest, floodplain, and flow scenarios, like larger floods, more or less dense forest stands, or a narrower or more topographically varied floodplain. In the coming months, Josie will analyze the data from these experiments and determine relationships between these scenarios and the behavior of wood.

Josie hopes her findings will be useful to those working on river restoration projects. Adding wood habitat into landscapes is an increasingly popular restoration technique, but, like sediment, wood moves within the system. This poses a challenge for restoration experts who want their designs to be effective in the long run. How big does a flood need to get to move the wood, how does it move, and where does it go?

Figure 3: Image from above of the physical model after an experiment was conducted. Orange, white, and green pieces are scattered around the model. Flow is from left to right. 

Is it as fun as it looks? “This is just like something I would have done as a child," says Josie, "Except now I have to keep track of a lot of numbers.”