Friends of the Chicago River
The Chicago River

Chimney SwiftWorkshops

Rivers Curriculum, 7th-12th

The Rivers Curriculum workshop is a four-day training, held annually in mid to late July. The upcoming workshop is scheduled for July 21, 22, 23 and 24, 2008 at the DePaul University-Lincoln Park Campus. This innovative and comprehensive curriculum uses rivers and watersheds as a focus for biology, chemistry, earth science, language arts, math and geography. Each of these subjects has their own manual with lessons, assessments and background information. The lessons are inquiry-based and hands-on, introducing students to complex concepts and issues in a real world approach. Cost per teacher is $90. Available Credit: Two graduate credits from Aurora University (additional fee of $150); two Lane credits or 30 CPDUs. Contact us for details or print the Registration Form (154k PDF).

Aquatic Habitats Investigation, K-5th

You can be a scientist! Join Shedd Aquarium and Friends of the Chicago River as we travel to several unique aquatic habitats. Rives, lakes, bogs and fens will be among the many habitats we visit, where you will explore, make careful observations and participate in real-time research with scientists and site stewards. Be prepared to get dirty and spend the majority of the time outside, rain or shine! The workshop will be held August 4, 5, and 6, 2008, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. We will start and end each day at the Shedd Aquarium. Cost per teacher is $125. Available Credit: One graduate credit from National Louis University (additional fee of $120); one Lane credit or 15 CPDUs. Contact us for details, visit the Shedd Aquarium website or print the Registration Form (154k PDF).

Friends offers teacher workshops in all three of our curricula as well as specially tailored inservice days for your school.

River Citizen, 5th-8th

Friends will organize a River Citizen workshop at your school for five or more teachers. Through a series of lessons and a field trip, students take on the role of scientists and investigate a local environmental issue, the health of the Chicago River and its watershed. Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills as they conduct research, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, suggest solutions and take individual action towards improving the river. Lessons include background sections and assessment rubrics and address math, science, language arts and social science standards. Cost per teacher is $35. CPDUs available. Includes copy of the curricula and two accompanying videos. Contact us for details.

Exploring Rivers, K-4th

We will organize an Exploring Rivers workshop at your school for five or more teachers. Exploring Rivers is a series of five curricula, one each for grades Kindergarten through fourth grade. Students delve into the fascinating world of rivers by exploring habitats, cycles, flow and erosion. Engaging hands-on lessons and investigations connect students to the world around them. The curriculum manual includes lessons, background information and assessment rubrics. Cost per teacher is $35. CPDUs are available. Includes copy of the curricula. Contact us for details.

Inservice Trainings

Friends will create a unique training for your next in-service day. Possible topics include: water quality monitoring, service learning, Chicago River history, integrating language arts and science, or the scientific method. Contact us for details.