River Rangers Teaching Day Three

On the third day of Ranger training, a brisk morning gave way to a sunny, beautiful, late winter afternoon. The perfect day for the River Ranger interns from KIPP Denver Collegiate High School to practice their team teaching skills with the 5th graders of Southmoor Elementary.

Miss Deirdre greets the Southmoor 5th graders at Overland Pond Park.

The River Rangers wasted no time putting their skills to the test. After a welcome to  the park and introduction of the Educators and Rangers, groups were chosen and the activities began. Rotating through four stations, 5th graders learned about boating and water safety, the pollution challenges the South Platte River faces, students tested real-time health of the river through a serious of scientific experiments and they learned about the species our SPREE mascot belongs to, the beaver. Each one of our Rangers demonstrated confidence, intelligence and poise as they taught alongside our SPREE educators.

Mr Jake and a River Ranger test the health of the river alongside Southmoor 5th Graders

Mr Mike demonstrates boating skills and safety.

Two River Rangers give directions lecture on nature safety and respect.

After many crawdads and micro-invertebrates were caught, examined and then released, we said goodbye to Southmoor Elementary and congratulated our Rangers on their exceptional performance for the day. ​

Miss Ali and two River Rangers discuss physical adaptations of beavers.

Miss Lena and two River Rangers have a discussion about pollution challenges.

After lunch, it was time to get our hands dirty!  Two of the High School River Rangers gave our 5th graders a spirited and informative lecture on how to respect nature while we explore, how to be safe navigating treacherous footing and how to effectively locate and safely trap small critters for examination. Now, it was all hands on deck.

Southmoor 5th graders, River Rangers and SPREE educators