The Mississippi
River
An Integrated Curriculum for Middle School
(Grades 7,8,9)
Science
-
Sedimentation and erosion discussion
-
Readings, exercises, and experiments about riparian areas
The science component of this curriculum can be found here
Math
-
Calculations of flow rates, percentages, ratios, flood frequency curve,
etc.
Click here for sample math problems.
Geography
-
Make a map of the river and all of its major tributaries on blank U.S.
map
A blank U.S. state map can be found here.
Reading/Language Arts
-
Mark Twain biography (reference)
-
Read excerpts from Huck Finn and discuss social implications of
this novel.
-
Write a report on a historic site along the river
-
Creative writing project - find a description of this project here.
-
Reading list
History/Social Science
-
Read history of 18th Century exploration of the river in textbook.
-
Explore NPS website "Architects"
-
Discuss lifestyles of moundbuilders and speculate about the history of
the sites
Visual and Performing Arts
-
Create pottery and ceramics in the style of the artifacts from the moundbuilders
-
Listen to and learn folk songs about the river
Current Issues
-
Read handout and discuss the different ways the river is subject to pollution.
Creative
Writing Project
Imagine that
you are a person or object somewhere along the river ( a piece of sediment,
a pilot, a gambler, a fish. . .). Describe your journey along the
river. Where did you join the river? Where do you expect to end up?
What do you see and do?
Reading
List
– Biography of Mark Twain
– Excerpts from Huck Finn
Mark Twain
• Discuss the social implications
of this novel
– Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Mildred Taylor
– My Louisiana Sky
Kimberly Willis Holt
– Wynton Marsalis: Gifted Trumpet
Player Leslie Gourse
