IO Project

Many different groups use the Bow River and each of them have an impact on the river ecosystem. UNESCO identified 2003 as the International Year Of Fresh Water and the Canadian government extended this focus into 2204. The AB government has also taken the issue of fresh water very seriously, with research to inform strategies and laws initiated. The Bow River has recently been given the status of "endangered". What are the viewpoints of the different stakeholders of the Bow River? When the children have access to the ideas, values and concerns of these groups, they will have a stronger voice to speak and act on behalf of the Bow River and the waters of the world.

These are the readings I have selected for you. Please look at the first two.

Resource

www.albertawatershed.org/

This is an Alberta-wide internet forum to share current infomation and resources on watershed stewardship issues. Included in the website is current news, links to conservation related sites, a science section, etc.

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Environment Canada-Freshwater Website

This website has a variety of resources available based on freshwater information and issues. The information is easy to access and is curriculum related.

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Waterquest

This website was created to enhance students' awareness of many impacts on Alberta's watersheds and ultimately to encourage responsible and sustainable watershed practices.

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Canadian Ground Water Association

The goal of this organization is to encourage the management and protection of ground water by creating partnerships for public awareness and utilization. The education section of the website gives a good overall look at ground water and provides links to other sites. This site also provides info. on legislation, both provincial and federal.

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Canadian Water Resources Association

This organization, dedicated to the sustainable management of water resources, provides a list of journals, related links and edcational info. There are also water-focused publications available.

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Green Street

The motivation behind this webite is to actively engage youth in environmental stewardship over time. There are numerous projects that classess can particpate in to become more aware of enivronmental issues.

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Ducks Unlimited

This site provides lesson plans, environmental science information, as well as environmental programs.

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Alberta Environment

This site has information on water conservation, the value of water, who uses water and tips on how to reduce water usage. Some educational resources are available on-line and information on field trips to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery are available on this site as well. A link to the "Water for Life Strategy" can also be found on this site.

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The Yellowfish Road Program

Run by Trout Unlimited, the Yellow Fish Road Program is a nation wide educational initiative. This site has educational resources, forms to request a Yellow Fish Road kit and more.

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Alberta Lake Management Society

The purpose of this Society is to promote understanding and comprehensive management of lakes and reservoirs and their watersheds. Their site provides information on the Lake Watch program, volunteer opportunities and extensive water information/resources.

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Alberta Irrigaction Projects Association

This group participates in research and provides up-to-date information about the status and benefits of irrigation and its associated water management infastruction. They also provide education outreach opportuities in the form of tours and presentations.

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Surface Water Quality Guidelines

Government inof. on water quality standards

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Water Education

Us Government Site with activity ideas

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Canadian Government Site

Interesting paradigm to look at

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water cycle

Interactive water cycle site

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Water Festival

Interesting site with water activities

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UK Water Study Site

Has a neat water use survey

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Water Origin Myths

Water origin myths from around the world

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Wonder Of Water

Canadian site for Year(s) of Fresh Water

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Bow River Council

Web site of Council with numerous links

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Public Opinion 1905

Public opinion concerning the Bow River Valley, Southern Alberta, Canada (1905)

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Bow River Valley 1905

Facts concerning the Bow River Valley, Southern Alberta, Canada- 1905

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Satellite image of the Bow

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Even More Bow Geology

By a local naturalist

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More geology of the Bow

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Bow River Geology

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Bow River Geology

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General Bow River Information

General Information on the Bow,all aspects, historical, economical, etc.

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Our Roots

Has early historical documents of Southern Alberta and settlement on the Bow River

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All Along A River

All Along a River is a very cool site with student work discussing such topics as erosion, factors of volume and permeability of rocks.

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Rivers of the world

A list of rivers of the world with some interesting links. Don't let the table scare you, read to the bottom of the page.

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Narmada River

This site looks at the Narmada River in central India. The primary focus is the issue of the dams and the impact on the people. Big issues here.

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River Of Words

Connects children to their watersheds and imaginations through poetry and art.

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United Nations International Year of Fresh Water

Web site that explains the importance of water and identifies some of the issues.
Has a resource listing of various interest groups.

Task

Bow River Symposium

Children will research various aspects of the Bow River to be shared in a Symposium format or an exhibition format. Some children may co-author research papers with Environmental Design Students. Their work will be demonstrated to parents in a school wide exhibition. Some of the work may be entered into the Mayor?s Environmental Expo and/or Bow River Council and/or with the Glenbow Museum. The Student exhibition at School would occur May 25th with the Mayor?s Environmental Expo the following week.

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Task

A River Runs Through Me Video

Through the year a video will document the different ways of knowing the Bow and our relationship to water. It will feature the children?s learning as well as interaction with experts. This will be on going, with a possibility of having it as part of the Glenbow Bow River Installation. This work would need to be complete by January 24th to be included in the Bow Installation.

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Task

Know the Bow

Through the year, classes will visit the Bow River for a variety of activities in order to get to know the Bow.
Comparisons with other rivers around the world will be made throughout the year.

Art In The Park
A family day at Princess Island with community artists painting alongside children. Chester will facilitate this and make connections with local artists. Date TBC

Where I Am On The Bow
Children and families will document their place on the river with photographs taken through the seasons. A city wide map of where the families live and the pictures they take will be made. A visit by Judith Maxwell, the photographer will help introduce this work.
Connections with other children in other communities along the Bow will be made, with opportunities to share their work with one another

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Task

Water Education Campaign - investigation on how children/families use water - research on different water usage issues - creation of water conservation messages to be shared with the community (business/government). This will be on going through the year, as new information is learned. - an assembly near Thanksgiving will highlight ?Why we are Thankful for Water?.
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Task

History of the Bow Our Roots The history of the Bow River will be studied with comparisons made to present day use. This work may be submitted to Our Roots. The prototype of the site http://www.riverventure.org/esturary.html may be used to organize the information and design the Bow River Site (Note: if this does not become an Our Roots project, other venues will be sought out).
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