4th grade Columbia Public School teachers will have the opportunity to bring their students to the Missouri River for a one of kind learning experience.
Missouri River Days is a half-day field trip on the Missouri River at Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort & Marina, in Columbia, MO.
This field trip is offered to the entire 4th-grade at Columbia Public Schools (CPS) during the fall and spring school year.
This program is a partnership between Missouri River Relief and the CPS Science Department. Missouri River Relief is a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect people to the Missouri River.
We do this through hands-on river clean-ups, education programs, and outreach events.
While at Missouri River Days, students will leave their lab coats and pocket protectors behind; to do science, Missouri River Relief style. They will investigate the mysteries behind the longest river in North America and learn what makes it tick. Click HERE to see Missouri River Days from previous years.
During this field trip, students will develop a better understanding of the Missouri River through four experiences that include:
Station 1: Meet a Fisheries Biologist
Students get up close and personal with the fish that call the Missouri River home as they meet some of the scientists that are helping the river's ecosystem.
Station 3: Through the Eyes of an Explorer
Studying the observations and sketches from the scientific journals of Lewis and Clark, students will learn how to create a watercolor sketch of their own to bring home.
Station 2: Observation is a Skill
Using cottonwood forest as our laboratory, students will make careful observations and ask questions to learn about the plants found in the Missouri River bottom.
Station 4: Experience the River (Boat Ride)
Students will receive a one-of-a-kind learning experience that incorporates spectacular views of the Missouri River all while learning about the channelization of the river.
Safety is our number one priority; we will provide students with a safety talk and lifejackets before going on the boat ride. Students and/or teachers do not need to know how to swim because we will not be entering the water. Experienced boat captains pilot our 24-foot aluminum plate boats that have all completed boat operator training and are assisted by deckhands.
Students and teachers will be on the Missouri River in a 24-foot open boat, with an aluminum plate and 115-horsepower marine motors.
All of the students participating need to have completed the “Student General Risk Release Form”. If a parent/guardian chooses not to allow their student on their river, we will have the student stay on land at station 3. Please note that if they are staying on land we still need a signed risk release form
To prepare your students, please make sure they come prepared with the following:
We are proud to be a part of Columbia Public School District’s Partners In Education Program and is partnered with the Columbia Public Schools Science Department to offer this program. This program was made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support of partners including Union Pacific Railroad and donors across the country. We would also like to thank Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Outdoor Fund and the City of Columbia Office of Sustainability for sponsoring this event. Check out the City of Columbia Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which aims to lay out a vision and strategy to address risks posed by climate change and contribute to international efforts to draw down greenhouse gas emissions.
