Mighty Mississippi River Warriors

Sixth-grade students investigate how the Mississippi River has changed over time and what its water reveals about its health today. Anchored by the novel Minn of the Mississippi, students test river water samples, examine native macroinvertebrates, and compare their findings with partner classrooms studying rivers in other states. Field trips to the Lower Mississippi River Museum and Vicksburg National Military Park connect the river’s ecology to its history, and students translate their data into pour paintings and tapestries shared with families and educators.

Students will be able to:

• Collect and analyze water-quality data to evaluate the ecological health of the Mississippi River.
• Use macroinvertebrate observations as evidence of how river conditions affect the populations living there.
• Compare local water data with data from rivers in other states to identify patterns and differences.
• Represent scientific findings through original artwork that communicates environmental change over time.