Activities

1. What physical characteristic is represented by bends and curves in the river bed?
   1. Meanders
   2. Tributaries
   3. Flood plains
   4. Estuaries
      
      
2. All of the land drained by a river system is known as what?
   1. Tributaries
   2. Flood Plains
   3. Estuaries
   4. Watershed
   
   
   
3. Alex is planning a white water rafting trip for herself and some friends. Will the river they are visiting be a youthful or old age river? Describe the characteristics of the river and the organisms she will find there.
   
   
4. Describe how an oxbow lake is formed.
   
   
5. Jovanna is planning a leisurely float down with some friends. Their plan is to float down on inner tubes and periodically stop to swim in the water. They want this to be an all day party. Should they find a youthful river or old age river of river to float down? Defend your answer by describing the rivers characteristics best suited for their party.
   
   
6. Differentiate the water quality of a youthful river and an old age river and describe the reason for the difference.
   
   

Answer Key/Rubric

1. A
   
   
2. D
   
   
3. Answers may include,  but are not limited to:
   White water rafting is done on youthful rivers which are characteristically found higher in elevation, with rocky, rough beds, and have fast moving water do to the steepness of the river bed. Few organisms are found here as the speed of water effects their quality of life. She will see some moss on the rocks as well as insect feeding off of them.

4. Answers may include, but are not limited to:
   An oxbow lake is formed from an old age river and a meander. The neck of the meander erodes over time. When the river floods, it takes the shortest route possible and cuts across the neck. The river becomes straight again with an oxbow lake on the side.

5. Student’s responses may include either a mature or old age river. Youthful would not be an acceptable answer as the water would move far too quickly for a “leisurely” trip. Students may describe the width or depth of the river, sediments found there (typically small rock or sand depending on river age), etc.
   
   
6. Answers may include, but are not limited to:
   The water quality of a youthful river is more clean and clear than that of an old age river. Old age rivers, while slow moving, can pick up and carry small sediments such as sand that make it appear muddy.