English Rivers

A river is a natural stream of fresh water larger than a brook or creek. A river flows toward another river, an ocean, a lake, or other large body of water.  

A river's source may be rainfall, a melting snowfield or a glacier, a spring, or the overflow of a lake. Streams that flow at a river source are the headwaters and are at the river's highest elevation. Most river headwaters begin in hills or mountain, but as the river flows downstream, it gains more water from other streams, rivers, springs, added rainfall, and other water sources.  

River Thames, in London

Rivers have always been important for travel, transportation, and trade routes. Most settlements were built along major rivers. Rivers are also important for farming because river valleys and plains provide fertile soils. Farmers in dry regions irrigate their cropland using water carried by irrigation ditches from  nearby rivers. Rivers also are an important energy source. During the early industrial era, mills, shops, and factories were built near fast-flowing rivers where water could be used to power machines. Today steep rivers are still used to power hydroelectric plants and their water turbines.
 

ACTIVITIES:



You have two opcions: you can choose either 1 or 2, or both of them.

1.Write A River Poem. Express your feelings about a river in poetry. Consider sharing your finished poem with others. You can find information including sites to post your work at an eduScapes companion 42eXplore site: Poetry for Kids.

2.Create A "Save the River" Poster. What are the threats threatening a river near you? Think in terms of water quality, pollution, erosion and siltation, river wildlife - - all aspects of the river's life. Make your poster a visual message. Post it where others can see it.