Life in the river... Is the river home to various animals and plants? Is there life in the water ...on the river banks ...in river marshes and flood plains ...in the river's estuary ...in lakes along the river?

What would happen to the life in the river if ...the river was dammed ...the river flowed more quickly or more slowly ...it was polluted with sewage ...it was polluted with industrial wastes ...the river dried up for several months each year?

The big picture... Where is your town located on the river's whole watershed? Is it near the source ...near the mouth ...near the junction of tributaries ...near major lakes on the river system? Is the river near you fast flowing ...slow and meandering ...wide and deep?

What are the important sources of water flowing into the river near you? Are they other rivers ...creeks ...underground streams or springs?