River Teachers Program Overview

The River Teachers program is a weeklong initiative aimed at middle, high, and elementary school teachers. It combines fieldwork and classroom activities to integrate freshwater aquatic education into schools. The program highlights local biodiversity, particularly in the Southeast, and aims to instill a passion for river systems in teachers, which they can pass on to their students. Teachers from five states participate, making it the largest cohort yet. Shelby Panky shares her excitement about the resources and hands-on experiences provided by the program.

What is the main focus of the River Teachers program?

• Providing summer camps for students

• Organizing river clean-up events

• Integrating freshwater aquatic education into classrooms

• Teaching teachers about marine life

Which group of teachers is included in the River Teachers program?

• Only high school teachers

• Only elementary school teachers

• Only college professors

• Middle, high, and elementary school teachers

What activities are included in the River Teachers program?

• Only classroom lectures

• Laboratory experiments

• Field trips and classroom activities

• Online webinars

Why is the Southeast region significant in the context of the River Teachers program?

• It has a high biodiversity of freshwater aquatics

• It is the only region with rivers

• It is the most polluted region

• It has the largest number of schools

What is the ultimate goal for teachers participating in the River Teachers program?

• To become certified biologists

• To develop a passion for river systems and share it with students

• To organize river sports events

• To write research papers on aquatic life

How many states are represented by teachers in this year's program?

• Ten

• Seven

• Five

• Three

What does Shelby Panky appreciate most about the program?

• The opportunity to travel

• The chance to meet famous scientists

• The hands-on experiences and resources to take back to classrooms

• The online resources

What resources do teachers receive from the program?

• Free laptops

• Lesson plans, kits, and various materials

• Scholarships for students

• Only textbooks