Kananaskis Country

Alberta Parks

Freshwater Monitoring: A Case Study of the Elbow River

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley. Ice Safety: Alberta Parks does not monitor ice conditions; learn how to assess them for yourself.

    Offered in partnership with the Elbow River Watershed Partnership, this interactive program invites Grade 8, 9, and Science 10 students to explore the Elbow River and its watershed. Students will trace the river’s journey from its pristine headwaters in Kananaskis Country to Calgary, conducting hands-on tests of abiotic and biotic factors at key stops along the way. The program emphasizes the value of water, the role of protected areas in watershed health, and the impacts of land use on aquatic ecosystems. Guided by the idea that "the river is an expression of the landscape," students will engage in meaningful scientific study and discussions throughout the experience.

Grade(s): 8 - 10
Curriculum: Science
Themes:
    • The river is an expression of the landscape. 
    • Human actions can have both intended and unintended impacts on water quality.  
    • Water quality can be investigated from both an abiotic and biotic lens, allowing students to analyze data, develop explanations, and infer what the tests reveal. 
    • Water Stewardship is a shared responsibility, supported by stewardship groups like ERWP and Alberta Parks and Protected areas.
Type:
    Field Study
Duration: Full-Day
Location: Elbow Valley (multiple stops)
Max. Group Size: 35
Fees: $400
Availability: May - October
Booking Information
Updated: Jan 14, 2025