Blue EDU

Explore our compilation of educational resources on a range of topics. Use our list of teacher resources to build your knowledge on topics, or check out the student resources to find student-friendly websites to use with your class.

River Lab

River Lab is a free online STEM curriculum that introduces high school students to water science through hands-on, real-world learning. The curriculum features virtual experiences, classroom-ready activities, and water quality data that help bring freshwater science to life.

Using data from Current’s H2NOW Chicago program—a real-time water quality monitoring network for the Chicago and Calumet Rivers—students explore how scientists monitor local waterways, analyze water quality, and use monitoring equipment in the field. Along the way, they learn about the vital role water plays in our communities and environment, and what types of careers exist in the water sector.

Access the Curriculum

Questions about Current’s River Lab curriculum or Educational Resources? Contact us!

Resources

Grades	Link	Lesson   Plans	Teacher Resources	Student Resources	Professional Development
K-4	MWRD: Where Does It Go? Adventures With The Water Science Explorers	X	X	X	X
K-4	WaterAid: Educational Games, Films, and Songs	X	X	X	X
K-4	The Groundwater Foundation: Groundwater Resources	X	X	X	X
K-4	WUIW: Compilation of Water Activities and Facts	X	X	X	X
K-4	Water Footprint Calculator: Conserve Water with Aqua Video and Activities	X	X	X	X
K-4	Project WET: Games and Music on Water Topics	X	X	X	X
K-4	The GLOBE Program: Discoveries at Willow Creek	X	X	X	X
K-4	IEPA: The Petals of Flower Hill: Coloring Book	X	X	X	X
K-6	PWCSA: H2Go Kids	X	X	X	X
3-8	Ecolab and Project WET: Clean and Conserve	XX	X	X	X
3-8	OCWA Water Education Program	X	X	X	X
5-8	BrainPop: Earth System Curriculum	X	X	X	X
5-8	H2O for Life: Water Guardians	X	X	X	X
5-8	IEPA: Logbook of Your Lake (half page, double-sided) IEPA: Logbook of Your Lake (single page)	X	X	X	X
5-8	Rutgers University: COOL Classroom	X	X	X	X
5-8	NASA: Go with the Flow Game	X	X	X	X
5-8	USGS: The Water Cycle for Schools and Students	X	X	X	X
5-12	Project WET: Seeing Watersheds	X	X	X	X
5-12	WWF: Free Rivers	X	X	X	X
5-12	USGS: Water Science School	X	X	X	X
6-8	IEPA: Why is the Pond Green?	X	X	X	X
6-8	USGS: Activities About Groundwater	X	X	X	X
9-12	Skype a Scientist	X	X	X	X
9-12	Stroud Water Research Center: WikiWatershed	X	X	X	X
9-12	The Virtual Courseware Project: VirtualRiver	X	X	X	X
K-12	Water Footprint Calculator: Lessons for Understanding Our Water Footprint	X	X	X	X
K-12	The Water Project: Water Crisis Lesson Plans	X	X	X	X
K-12	Environmental Education Association of Illinois	X	X	X	X
K-12	EEAI: Climate Science Series for Educators (Part 1)  EEAI: Climate Science Series for Educators (Part 2)  EEAI: Climate Science Series for Educators (Part 3)	X	X	X	X
K-12	Friends of the Chicago River: Chicago River Schools Network	XX	X	X	X
K-12	Coursera: Water Resources Management and Policy	X	X	X	X
K-12	USEPA: Homework Resources About Environmental Issues	X	X	X	X
K-12	USEPA: Groundwater and Drinking Water Activities	X	X	X	X
K-12	WTTW: PBS Learning Media for Illinois Educators	X	X	X	X
K-12	H2O for Life: Lesson Plans	X	X	X	X
K-12	Alliance for the Great Lakes: H.O.M.E.S. at Home!	X	X	X	X
K-12	USGS: Water Cycle Glossary	X	X	X	X

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