A Model of the Middle Rio Grande Valley
River of Change: Base Activity-C-Rio Nuevo
Rio Nuevo Habitat Restoration Project Cards
At this point you may want to continue with model activities "Cottonwood Creation," Who Lives Where?," " Who Grows Where?" or "Bosque Chaos" that have Rio Nuevo sections.
Assessment: To celebrate finishing the River of Change unit have students decorate three cakes for the three different river models they studied.
Materials: three sheet cakes with plain icing; squeeze icing in different colors, knife, plates, napkins and forks. Divide class into three teams, assign each team either Rio Bravo, Rio Manso, or Rio Nuevo. Have them decorate their cake appropriately. A spokesperson for each team then tells the rest of the class what they put on their river model. Then have a party and eat the cakes!
Have students draw the three rivers on their own. This could be done at the end of each section (Rio Bravo, etc.)
Have students write about the differences between the rivers, what changes have occurred and what is being done to protect and restore the ecosystem today.
Extensions: Until relatively recently, flooding in the Rio Grande Valley was a common and often devastating occurrence for human settlements. The math worksheet "How Long Ago?" will help students realize that floods occurred in the Albuquerque region in the not too distant past. Make a copy of the worksheet for each student. Have students subtract the year for each event listed from the current year to determine how long ago these floods occurred.
Have students pay attention to the news for items related to the bosque and the river. There are many issues that regularly appear in the news: endangered species, water planning/water sources, fires, clean-up activities, etc. Post newspaper items in the classroom; have students report on the news they have heard to the rest of the class.
Adapting to Other Grades:
For younger primary grades, do a felt-board example of the basic items that are part of the bosque - a river, cottonwood trees, sand bar, etc. before working with a model of the river. Place a velcro dot on the River Model pieces for use on the felt board.
Discuss what trees need to live (besides sunlight, soil, carbon dioxide) - they need to have water, we water the trees at school and home. In the bosque their roots must reach the water in the ground.
What animals live in the valley? Think of the needs of the ducks and cranes they might see along the river - they need the extra water of the valley.
Research: Have the students research the animals that live in the bosque. Put together a book or poster about the animals. Use these projects to teach younger students.
Have older students learn the " Changing River" activity and then teach younger students using the model.
