Biography of a river

Background Information

Rivers have played a vital role in the development of this country and others; this importance is reflected in the references to rivers in literature and history, both national and personal. Today rivers need protection, and one way to fuel an interest in preserving a river is to have students become familiar with their local rivers so that they feel an ownership to them. Writing a biography of a river is one way for students to combine research, interview skills, creative writing, history, and science into a single project. Keep this project fun and allow for creativity; however, set limits on what material is acceptable. If the writing is based on factual information, the project will be more realistic. If there are not enough rivers or waterways within the state, use neighboring rivers or famous rivers.

Terms

cinquain: a poem of five lines as follows:

• First line: One word, giving title
• Second line: Two words, describing title
• Third line: Three words, expressing an action
• Fourth line: Four words, expressing a feeling
• Fifth line: One word, a synonym for the title

epitaph: a short composition in prose or verse, written as a tribute to a dead person

Advance Preparation

Obtain a list of province rivers and waterways. A student could complete this list for extra credit.

Procedure

1.Setting the stage

A. Begin a general discussion of familiar rivers. Ask:

• What are the rivers in our province?
• Who has ever seen/visited any of the rivers?
• What did you do there?
• Have any of your grandparents or parents told family stories about experiences on the rivers of this state?
• Who has knowledge of other rivers in the U. S.?
• How did rivers help in the development of this country?
• In what ways are rivers important?

A. Explain that important people have biographies written about them. That is what students are going to do for the rivers of the province.

2.Activity

A. Assign each student (or pair, small group) a major river/waterway located within the province

B. The river biography should include the following:

• Birth information: This includes how the river was formed geologically, approximate time period, original course.
• Location and description: Include a drawn or copied map of the river noting the major cities and describe the land uses along its route, its aquatic life, and other characteristics.
• Century report: Beginning with 1700 through the present, write a report to include:
  -Historical events related to or occurring near the river.
  - Important people related to the river or locations near the river.
  - Contributions/uses of the river (industry, transportation, recreation, security, agriculture)
  -Changes to the river and surrounding area.
• Personal interviews: If possible, interview two people who have had personal experiences with the river. Write about their thoughts, remembrances, experiences, and other information about the river and its importance or role in their lives.
• Death announcement: Research what could cause the 'death' (no longer exists or no longer supports life) of the river. Write a fictional account of the events leading up to the death and the consequences of this death for. the province.
• Epitaph: Write an epitaph for the river in the form of a cinquain.

C. Place all the information in a folder or report and illustrate the cover.

3. Follow up

A. Ask each student or small group to give a five minute presentation about his/her river sharing the most significant facts and pointing out its location on a state map.

B. Have students be responsible for reading the biographies of at least two other rivers and write a comparison paper comparing their river with these two.

C. Research what makes a National Scenic River.

4. Extensions

A. Research the role of rivers in cultural stories and myths.

B. Read descriptions of rivers in literature such as in Huckleberry Finn, the writings of J. Wesley Powell, the River Styx, and Cleopatra and the Nile. Compare these rivers with local rivers.

C. Have students research any songs written about their rivers or compose one
themselves.

RESOURCES

Carrier, Jim, 'The Colorado A River Drained Dry,' National Geographic, Washington, D. C., June, 1991.

Ellis, William, 'The Mississippi: River Under Siege,' National Geographic, Washington, D. C., November, 1993.

Jackson, Harvey H. III, 'Rivers of History, Life on the Coosa, Tallapoosa, Cahaba, and Alabama,' University of Alabama Press, 1995.

Yates, Steve, Adopting a Stream A Northwest Handbook, The Adopt A Stream Foundation, 1988.

Printed with permission from
Michal L. Le Vasseur
2001