The Great Old Genesee River

FALL, 2007-2008

During the Prehistory expedition, fourth graders embark on a journey of more than 150 miles from the source of the Genesee River in Gold, Pennsylvania to the mouth of the river in Charlotte. Over the course of their expedition, students gather data, record observations, make inferences, and engage in scientific dialogue about the Genesee River in order to understand the forces of nature that shaped the region we live in. Fourth graders use the local geology as a virtual time travel machine to imagine the area thousands of years ago. The fourth grade scientists and authors compose a class book of descriptive free verse poetry along with expository writing to share their journey.