Chicago River Schools Network
CHICAGO RIVER ACTION-ADVENTURE POCKET GUIDES 
More information can be found below ↓
The Chicago River provides a fascinating real-world setting for learning and service. Our education program, the Chicago River Schools Network, provides for scientific experimentation, water quality monitoring, historical investigation, art/writing projects and ecological restoration throughout the watershed.
Friends of the Chicago River’s dynamic education program, the Chicago River Schools Network, provides K-12 teachers the training and personalized assistance they need to immerse their students in the turbulent history, evolving ecology and improving health of the Chicago River.
Except for our workshops and curricula, all services and materials are FREE to CRSN schools within the Chicago River watershed. Community groups, non-CRSN schools, universities, for-profit organizations and some non-profits may have accociated fees for programming. Please contact our education staff for details.
Take your students on an adventure into the turbulent history, evolving ecology and improving health of the Chicago River - contact us to set up a school visit.
CRSN Services
Chicago River Curricula
Lesson Plans K-12
Lending Library
Classroom River Programs
Field Trip Assistance
Equipment Loan for Water Quality Studies
Workshops K-12
River Adoption Program
Bridgehouse Museum & History Lessons
Annual Chicago River Student Congress
We also provide ongoing and individualized assistance for educators. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, always feel free to call or email our education staff.
To get started, fill out a pre-meeting questionnaire (28k PDF) and fax it to us at (312) 939-0931, and then call or email our education staff to set up a school visit. We will schedule a 1.5 hour training/planning session at your school for you and any other interested teachers. We will spend some time sharing the story of the Chicago River, exploring some of our free materials and help you begin planning your students’ exploration of their local river and community.
Chicago River Action-Adventure Pocket Guides
K-4th Grade
Click on the activities below for answers and/or links to more information.
Getting to the Chicago River
(a complete list of sites from all three books) pp.3-4
Canoe the Chicago River p.4
Track Matching p.6
Stick Race p.13
Get to Know a Tree p.15
Make an Animal Mask p.16
Adopt a Stream or River p.18
Vote for your Favorite Animal pp.19-20
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum p.22
5th-8th Grade
Click on the activities below for answers and/or links to more information.
Getting to the Chicago River
(a complete list of sites from all three books) pp.3-4
Canoe the Chicago River p.4
Detailed History and Climate p.5
Chicago River Map/Puzzle p.6
Track and Scat Matching pp.7-8
Tree Identification p.11
Arbor Day Tree Identification p.11
Downtown Landmark Hunt p.15
Chicago River Day p.17
Demand Clean Water p.18
Vote for your Favorite Animal pp.19-20
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum p.22
9th-12th Grade
Click on the activities below for answers and/or links to more information.
Getting to the Chicago River
(a complete list of sites from all three books) pp.3-4
Canoe the Chicago River p.5
What is your Watershed Address? p.6
Illinois Watersheds Map p.6 or click here to download the watersheds map.
Great Lakes Information Network (invasive species) p.7
Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board (threat. & end. species) p.7
Downtown Landmark Hunt p.12
River Journal p.14
Calculate your Eco-footprint p.15
Chicago Home Composting p.15
Chicago River Day p.17
Demand Clean Water p.18
Vote for your Favorite Animal pp.19-20
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum p.22
If you would like guides for your family or school, please contact our education staff.
Become a Friend