Catchment management: the story of a river

Time Allocation: 40 minutes*

Activity Level: Moderate

Introduction

The story of a river learning activity investigates the journey of water through the catchment, from the mountains to the sea. Fresh water is a finite resource and is essential for all land plants and animals to survive. Explore the competing demands for water in a typical catchment.

*Adult preparation for the activity 20 minutes

Checklist

  • Waterproof container
  • Small jug
  • 3L water
  • Large clear bucket, plastic aquarium
  • Large wooden or plastic spoon or tongs
  • Plastic strainers
  • Large plastic funnel
  • Paper towel
  • 15 small jars or containers to hold one of the items below
  • Printable activity sheet
  • Pencils
  • Items to add to the water on its journey:
    • A tablespoon of soil/dirt
    • 5 – 10 broken pieces of twigs or sticks
    • A teaspoon of clay in water
    • A teaspoon of chocolate drink powder
    • 3 drops yellow food colouring and 1 square of toilet paper
    • 10 sultanas
    • Tablespoon of detergent
    • 10 small rocks
    • 5 small pieces of aluminium foil scrunched in balls
    • ¼ piece of A4 paper ripped in strips
    • Small plastic bag cut into pieces
    • Tablespoon of vegetable oil
    • Tablespoon of charcoal
    • 20cm of plastic string or fishing line
    • Tablespoon of sand

    • Instructions

    STEP 1:

    What is a water catchment?

    Have a discussion as a class on catchment management, the water cycle, where freshwater comes from and why it is important for life.

    Use the Australian Topographic Drainage Divisions and River Regions map to determine the catchment you live in.

    STEP 2:

    Land uses in your catchment

    As a class discuss the different land uses present in your local area and how they use water. List these in the activity sheet.

    STEP 3:

    Follow the journey of a river through the catchment.

    Using the activity sheet, read the story of a river, or make up your own, and ask the students to add the item in their jar to the container of water. Students put small amounts of household material (detergent, oil, dirt, chocolate powder, plastic etc.) to represent land uses and environmental issues.

    STEP 4:

    Clean-up our waterways

    Following the activity sheet, the students can use plastic strainers to remove the floating pollution and discuss ways of stopping it returning. Once the water has settled, students can scoop off the cleaner water into a separate container.

    Discussion: What can we do to stop these things getting in the waterways and the ocean?

    Extension Activity

    Make your own catchment.

    Use the activity sheet to make your own catchment. In two groups, make a natural or urban catchment model. Compare the flow of water between the two models.