Dec 11 Potomac River Connect Unit
Potomac River Connect Unit
Our first interdisciplinary Connect unit for the 2018-2019 school year focused on various aspects of the Potomac River, specifically pertaining to the river’s importance to the DC metropolitan area. Students in Kindergarten through 12th grade studied, for instance, historical highlights along the river, indigenous settlements, ancient river civilizations, and watershed pollution. Our students explored the reasons why societies are settled and flourish near rivers, and how development impacts the health of our waters.
In addition to research and coursework related to the Potomac River, students collected water samples to investigate the impact of precipitation and pollution on water quality, built water filters, hiked along the trails of Great Falls National Park, and visited Hard Bargain Farm in Accokeek, MD to connect with native populations indigenous to the Potomac region. We concluded our river research with a boat trip along the Potomac to conduct phosphate and nitrate water testing and catch and release of various native fish species.