Overview
Mississippi River Explorers is a four-part virtual course exploring sites along the Mississippi River in Minnesota. During each 90-minute session, learners will solve a mystery about a given site while exploring material connected to science and social studies academic standards alongside Mississippi National River & Recreation Area Park Rangers and Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders.
Time
Each session takes place from 9:00 – 10:30 AM CST.
Instructors
Course will be led by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders, as well as experts in the field from the National Park Service, US Forest Service, and MN DNR.
Grade Level
This course is best suited for students at a grade 5–8 learning level.
Curriculum
This course is a four-part series exploring sites along the Mississippi River in Minnesota. During each 90-minute session, learners will solve a mystery about a given site while exploring material connected to science and social studies academic standards.
Materials
A device with a working internet connection will be necessary for students to join the video conference. Students will receive a kit including:
- Science experiments
- Art supplies
- Pencil pouch
- Snacks (may include granola bars that contain traces of tree nuts and meat jerky)
- Activity booklet
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Crosby Farm Regional Park
What do plants and animals do when the river floods? Participants will learn about floodplain forest ecosystems, tree anatomy and identification, animal adaptations, and more!
Day 2: Coldwater Spring
How do prairies affect river water quality? Participants will learn about the history of Minnesota prairies, pollinators, the significance of Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring), and more!
Day 3: Saint Anthony Falls
How has the waterfall influenced all Minnesotans? Participants will learn about Minnesota geology and erosion, the significance of the waterfall to Native peoples, Twin Cities history, including development, logging, milling, and more!
Day 4: The Bdote
What makes Bdote an important place? Participants will learn about glaciation, Dakota history, the North American Fur Trade history, and more!
Dates & Fees
| 2022 Dates | Fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|
What to Expect
MATERIALS NEEDED: Internet service and a device that connects to the internet are needed in order to participate. Headphones are recommended if participants will be in a location with background noise.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
What are teacher/group leader expectations?
Youth will be able to participate and complete activities independently. All activities during this program will be facilitated by a National Park Ranger or Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leader. Teachers or group organizers may need to assist Wilderness Inquiry in distributing activity kits to youth, as well as help with attendance at the beginning of each experience.
Do I need a Zoom account?
Having a Zoom account is preferred, but not necessary. If you are unable to create a Zoom account, please let us know during registration.
How do I make a Zoom account?
Zoom is an online video platform that creates a virtual space for multiple users to gather with video and audio capabilities. Use this Quick Start User Guide to create an account and learn more. It is preferred each participant has a Zoom account, but not necessary. Please let us know if you are unable to create an account.
Are the activities and curriculum aligned to academic standards?
Yes! The curriculum of Mississippi River Youth Explorers is aligned to science and history academic standards for grades 5-8. Scroll back up to the above section under What to Expect to view specific standards.