Running time: 7 minutes. Produced in Partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey. 2017
A Colorado River Reflection
Meet Katie, one of the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River. Pondering life after high school, Katie finds comfort in reflecting on her time in one of the Nation’s most iconic National Parks. Guided by river currents, curiosity, and scientists from the US Geological Survey, her voyage of discovery leads to a deeper understanding of the Colorado River as an ecosystem… and her own place in it.
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Applicable Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by grade level include:
Grades 3-5
Middle School
High School
Crosscutting Concepts
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Students will gain insight into how a high school student’s experience on a river shaped her conceptualization of water resources.
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Citizen Science - Collaboration between scientists and the public to perform research. Citizen scientists often help researchers by gathering data over large areas and/or long timeframes.
Ecosystem - An interconnected system consisting of all the living organisms and non-living features of the environment found in a particular place.
Species Interactions - Any of the different ways that different types of plants and animals relate to others in the environment. Some common examples include competition and predator-prey relationships.
Rafting - The activity of floating a river in a large, inflatable boat, known as a raft. Rafting trips often last multiple days and can extend for over a month.
U.S. Geological Survey - A federal agency within the Department of the Interior that specializes in earth and biological sciences in the United States.
Watch the Film
In English. EN, ES closed captions optional (use 'CC' box in bottom control bar). Full screen viewing button on lower right.
Film Discussion and Reflection
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What river was featured in this film? What did the landscape look like?
What are some examples of skills and experiences gained by students on the river?
What activities did the students participate in that contributed to USGS research and monitoring?
What kinds of questions and insights did Katie have about water usage after her trip?
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What skills would you hope to gain if you were to go on a trip like the one described in the film?
The film mentioned that water is pumped out of the Colorado River to serve over 20 million people. What are some of the ways that this water is used? How might having less water in the river impact the plants and animals that live there?
Where does the water in your house or school come from? Where does it go after you use it?
Beyond rafting, what are some activities that people can do to engage with their local waters?
Why do you think it is important for the USGS ecologists to monitor the insects in the river?
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Stephanie Jackson - Guide, Grand Canyon Youth
Emma Wharton - Director, Grand Canyon Youth
Adam Copp - Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Anya Metcalfe - Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Carol Fritzinger - Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Images available to download for educational and classroom uses. Access more freshwater imagery at the Freshwaters Illustrated Archive.
Extended Exploration
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Brook Trout (Shenandoah National Park) - Life history and distribution of Brook Trout.
Brook Trout Restoration - A review of Brook Trout restoration efforts published on Nature Education Knowledge. This resource is most appropriate for High School and Advanced Middle School students.
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Related Pages and Lessons
Tags: click a tag to view other film pages related to that subject.
