River Relief

December 17, 2019

2020 Missouri River Days

 

4th grade Columbia Public School teachers will have the opportunity to bring their students to the Missouri River for a one of kind learning experience. 

 

 

 

What 4th Graders Have to Say! 

"My favorite part was the boat ride because we got to be scientists. They asked us questions about the river and what we thought about it. I also liked seeing the fish. There were some unusual fish and feisty fish too! I liked it when we went on a hike through the woods. That was one fun field trip!”

 

 

Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

We want you to know that Missouri River Relief is working diligently to give thoughtful consideration about how our proactive decisions can impact our program opportunities and keep families safe across our region. We have evaluated the “Missouri River Days” education program for the spring of 2020 and have decided to cancel this program. To learn more about our response to the COVID-19 Pandemic visit this link.

 

About Missouri River Days 

Missouri River Days is a two-part experience that combines a pre-post curriculum that is standards based with a half-day field trip on the Missouri River at Cooper's Landing Campgrounds & Marina.

•Part One: Pre-Post Curriculum: There are two are pre lessons and one post.  These lessons are each 35 minutes in length and are meant to introduce the students to topics they will encounter on the fieldtrip. The lessons are also interdisciplinary and align to 4th Grade Columbia Public School Standards.  

•Part Two: Field Trip: The field trip is offered during three specific times during the fall and spring school year, allowing you to choose a date in either the specified fall or spring semester that best fits your needs. During the fieldtrip, students will leave their lab coats and pocket protectors behind; to do science, Missouri River Relief style. They will investigate the mysteries behind the longest river in North America and learn what makes it tick. 

Missouri River Days in the Media! 

Watch us on KOMU Channel 8 News from Friday, April 20^th 2018 

Read about us on several Newspaper Frontpages 

• August 28th, 2019 – KRCG 13 – “Columbia Elementary Students Experience the “Big Muddy” By: Associated Press
• April 24, 2019 - KOMU TV8 - "Missouri River Relief new boat gives students an up-close education" By: Zola Crowder 
• April 22, 2019 - Columbia Missourian - "Big Muddy lesson plan:  Missouri River Relief hosts fourth-graders" By: Alexandra Sharp with photos by Liz Goodwin
• April 9th, 2019 – National Park Service “Outside Science (Inside Parks): Floating Down the Missouri River” By: Colorado State University 
• April 18, 2018 - Missourian - "Columbia fourth-graders experience the Missouri River" by Megan Dollar with photos by Jordan Kodner 
• April 17, 2018 - Columbia Tribune - "River becomes outdoor classroom for local students" by Roger McKinney with photos by Don Shrubshell 
• May 11, 2017 - Columbia Tribune - "Fourth-graders Experience the Missouri River" by Roger McKinney with photos by Tim Tai

View photos of Missouri River Days on Flickr.

 

Part One: Pre-Post Curriculum

The lessons were developed, designed, and piloted, so Missouri River Relief could design a teacher friendly, interdisciplinary and standards based curriculum that had adequate background knowledge before the fieldtrip and reinforce ideas students learned after the fieldtrip.  

Below are comments from Columbia Public School summer teachers that piloted the lessons:

“I would definitely use these lessons in my classroom again. The students were able to recall the information and were for the most part engaged throughout the entire lessons.”

 “The pre-lessons would help the students be more aware of what they are observing on the actual Missouri River Days.  It gives them some good background knowledge that they can build upon during the field trip.”

“The lesson plans were engaging and students were interested in the material….The information was very relevant to students, as they will all participate in the Missouri River Days trip.”

Pre Lesson 1: Forces that Shape the Missouri River

• Brief Overview: This lesson uses historic photos of the Missouri River to engage students in the exploration of how humans have changed the Missouri River.

Pre Lesson 2: Missouri River Geography Affects Us

• Brief Overview: This lesson uses scenario cards to explore students' understanding of weathering and erosion, and to spark a discussion about how the Missouri River shapes where we choose to live. 

Post Lesson 3: The Art of Storytelling with Science Practices

• Brief Overview: This lesson explores the value of storytelling in science and the structure of a personal narrative while encouraging students to reflect on science practices they engaged in during the “Missouri River Days” field trip. 

To learn more about how this pre-post curriculum was developed visit our blog "Developing Missouri River Days: Pre & Post Curriculum". 

Part Two: Field Trip

During Missouri River Days field trip, students will develop a better understanding of the Missouri River through four experiences that are 30 minutes in length; each activity should have a max of 30 students. 

Station 1: Meet a Fisheries Biologist

Students get up-close and personal with the fish that call the Missouri River home as they meet some of the scientists that are helping the river's ecosystem. 

Station 2: Observation is a Skill 
Using cottonwood forest as our laboratory, students will make careful observations and ask questions to learn about the plants found in the Missouri River bottom. 

Station 3: Through the Eyes of an Explorer 
Studying the observations and sketches from the scientific journals of Lewis and Clark, students will learn how to create a watercolor sketch of their own to bring home. 

Station 4: Experience the River (Boat Ride) 
Students will receive a one-of-a-kind learning experience that incorporates spectacular views of the Missouri River all while learning about the channelization of the river. 

ReCap of Previous Missouri River Days 

2019 Photo Albums

• Click here for photos from Midway, Russell Blvd. and Parkade Elementary Schools on April 19th, 2019
• Click here for photos from Mill Creek and Beulah Ralph Elementary Schools on April 22nd, 2019. 
• Click here for photos from Locust Street Expressive Arts, Benton STEM, Two Mile Prairie, Shepard Boulevard and Derby Ridge Elementary Schools on April 24th, 2019. 
• Click here for photos from Rock Bridge, Alpha Hart, and Cedar Ridge Elementary Schools on April 26th, 2019. 
• Click here for photos from Midway and Blue Ridge Elementary Schools on August 26th, 2019. 
• Click here for photos from Columbia Independent School, Two Mile Prairie, Battle, and Fairview Elementary Schools on August 28th, 2019. 

2018 Photo Albums 

• Click here for photos from Lee Expressive Arts Elementary School and the WildFolk: Unschool on April 17, 2018 
• Click here for photos from Two Mile Prairie, Benton STEM, and Shepard Boulevard Elementary Schools on April 18th, 2018 
• Click here for photos from Rock Bridge, Grant and Beulah Ralph Elementary Schools on April 20th, 2018
• Click here for photos from Ridgeway, West Blvd, Paton Keeley Elementary Schools on August 27th, 2018 
• Click here for photos from Battle and Fairview Elementary Schools on August 29th. 2018 

2017 Photo Albums 

• Click here for photos from Mill Creek Elementary Schools on May 11th, 2017. 
• Click here for photos from Midway and Parkade Elementary Schools on August 28th, 2017 
• Click here for photos from Russel Boulevard, Cedar Ridge, and Mill Creek Elementary Schools on August 30th, 2017
• Click here for photos from Paxton Keeley and Fairview Elementary Schools on September 1st, 2017 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is safety going to be handled on the river? 

Safety is our number one priority; we will provide students with a safety talk and lifejackets before going on the boat ride. Students and/or teachers do not need to know how to swim because we will not be entering the water. Experienced boat captains pilot our 24-foot aluminum plate boats that have all completed boat operator training and are assisted by deckhands.

What type of boats will students we be in? 

Students and teachers will be on the Missouri River in a 24-foot open boat, with an aluminum plate and 115-horsepower marine motors.

Who needs to sign the risk release form? 

All of the students participating need to have completed the “Student General Risk Release Form”. If a parent/guardian chooses not to allow their student on their river, we will have the student stay on land at station 3. Please note that if they are staying on land we still need a signed risk release form

How should I prepare my students?  

To prepare your students, please make sure they come prepared with the following: 

• Dress comfortably, bring a jacket and hat come prepared for the weather.  
• Wear sturdy footwear that you are willing to get muddy. (i.e. sneakers/boots, no sandals)