Rivers in Flux: Project WET Activities for Floods, Climate, and Land Use Change

As communities along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers see higher flood peaks, heavier rains, and rapid land‑use change, students are asking big questions about what is happening to their river. This hands‑on workshop will model several locally-adapted Project WET activities that help learners investigate how water moves through a watershed—and how human decisions shape flood risk and resilience. Participants will rotate through adaptable stations focused on topics such as river flooding and floodplains, combined sewer overflows and stormwater, and land‑use impacts on runoff and infiltration. We’ll connect each activity to NGSS and Illinois learning standards, highlight simple modifications for different grade levels and settings (classroom, schoolyard, or field site), and discuss ways to frame local flooding and climate impacts in age‑appropriate, hopeful ways. Attendees will leave with ready‑to‑use lesson materials, a resource list of Project WET and partner materials on flooding and climate, and practical tips for incorporating these activities into longer‑term watershed or community‑action projects.