Mississippi River Explorers

    Past Examples

    Mississippi River Explorers Activity Units

    TerraCycle Lessons

    1. Rock Island Arsenal Eagle Watch

    • Date: January 4 & February 10, 2024
    • Summary: This unit introduced students to the importance of bald eagles in the Mississippi River ecosystem. The program began with an on-site educational session, including videos and discussions about eagle behavior, migration, and conservation efforts. The initial field trip to Arsenal Island had to be rescheduled due to poor weather, but on February 10, students visited the site for a guided tour. While the Clock Tower portion of the tour received mixed interest, the students were thrilled to observe eagles sitting on the ice and looking for fish. The experience provided valuable insights into the natural habitat of bald eagles and the significance of conservation efforts in the region.
    • Key Outcomes: Developed knowledge of bald eagle ecology, observed eagles in the wild, and gained a deeper appreciation for local wildlife conservation.

    2. TerraCycle Program

    • Date: April 10-12, 2024
    • Summary: Middle school students participated in an educational program about TerraCycle, a unique recycling system that helps reduce waste. Karen Neder, who runs the local TerraCycle program, presented materials explaining the differences between traditional recycling and TerraCycle. Students received reusable recycle bags and demonstrated a strong understanding of the program by correctly answering 80-100% of related quiz questions. On April 12, the students took the lead in presenting TerraCycle to their peers at Project Renewal, outlining how materials would be collected and monitored at the site. They also committed to implementing TerraCycle practices at home, further reinforcing their environmental responsibility.
    • Key Outcomes: Students effectively learned about TerraCycle, planned an internal recycling initiative, and developed leadership skills by teaching others.

    3. Waste Commission & Recycling Unit

    • Date: May 3 & 6, 2024
    • Summary: This unit focused on the importance of waste reduction and proper recycling practices. Students participated in an educational session where they learned about the three key aspects of waste management: reduce, reuse, and recycle. They watched informational videos and played an interactive recycling game to reinforce their knowledge, achieving an 80-90% success rate in identifying recyclable materials. On May 6, they toured the Scott County Recycling Center and landfill, where they observed firsthand how waste is processed. The students demonstrated strong engagement, correctly answering 90% of the questions posed to them.
    • Key Outcomes: Increased understanding of waste management, active participation in recycling efforts, and leadership in monitoring waste disposal at Project Renewal.

    4. PACG Earth Day Event

    • Date: May 18, 2024
    • Location: Farmers Market, Davenport
    • Summary: Project Renewal students participated in the 6th annual Earth Day event sponsored by Progressive Action for the Common Good (PACG). Alongside 24 local nonprofit organizations, students set up a table to showcase their environmental activities, including the Arsenal Island Eagle Watch, TerraCycle program, and Waste Commission unit. They engaged with the community, explaining Project Renewal’s mission and environmental efforts. The event provided valuable opportunities for students to develop communication skills and learn from other organizations.
    • Key Outcomes: Strengthened public speaking skills, increased awareness of environmental organizations, and expanded community outreach.

    5. Living Lands and Waters Unit

    • Date: June 6-7, 2024
    • Summary: Students learned about freshwater mussels and their role in maintaining clean water ecosystems. The unit included an educational session with videos and discussions on topics such as bi-valves, invertebrates, and endangered species. On June 7, they joined the Living Lands and Waters team at Sunset Marina for a hands-on experience. The day involved sorting and identifying mussel shells, competing in a cleanup challenge, and taking a guided boat tour of the Mississippi River.
    • Key Outcomes: Hands-on environmental learning, increased awareness of freshwater mussels, and participation in conservation efforts.

    6. Mississippi River Museum Trip

    • Date: July 2, 2024
    • Summary: This full-day field trip to the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque, Iowa provided an exciting and educational experience for students. They explored interactive exhibits, observed river otters and touch tanks, and watched a 3D screening of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
    • Key Outcomes: Exposure to river ecosystems, interactive learning, and excitement around live animal exhibits.

    7. Nahant Marsh Summer Trip

    • Date: July 16-17, 2024
    • Summary: Students learned about invertebrates, local wildlife, and flood impacts at Nahant Marsh. They collected insects, observed native species, and took a short hike before finishing the day with lunch and outdoor play at Sunderbruch Park.
    • Key Outcomes: Interactive learning about invertebrates, increased curiosity about wildlife, and engagement in physical outdoor activities.

    8. Nahant Marsh Fall Trip

    • Date: October 14, 2024
    • Summary: This field trip focused on bird migration, seasonal vegetation changes, and local reptiles. Students observed pelicans, wood ducks, and a blue heron, and learned about native plants and trees. The trip concluded with a hands-on session where students handled turtles and a snake.
    • Key Outcomes: Increased awareness of seasonal wildlife changes, hands-on experience with reptiles, and an appreciation for environmental education.

    9. Fishing Trip at QCCA Wetland Education Center

    • Date: November 7, 2024
    • Summary: Students learned how to fish at the QCCA Wetland Education Center, received one-on-one guidance, and observed a massive eagle nest. Every student caught at least one fish, and volunteers gifted them fishing poles to encourage future outdoor activities.
    • Key Outcomes: Hands-on fishing experience, wildlife observation, and enthusiasm for future outdoor activities.

    10. Eagle Watch at Sunset Park

    • Date: January 15, 2025
    • Summary: Students participated in an Eagle Watch event led by Sierra Club members. They used scopes and binoculars to observe eagles in their natural habitat. However, due to cold weather, engagement was lower than expected.
    • Key Outcomes: Exposure to wildlife observation, understanding of eagle behavior, and lessons in planning for weather-appropriate trips.

    11. Nahant Winter Field Trip

    • Date: February 3, 2025
    • Summary: Students visited Nahant Marsh for a winter-themed program focused on animal tracking, habitat changes, and wildlife observation. They identified animal tracks, observed muskrat lodges, and dissected owl pellets to learn about predator-prey relationships.
    • Key Outcomes: Increased interest in wildlife tracking, understanding of habitat restoration techniques, and high engagement with hands-on learning.