© Angelina Tittmann/IGB
Option 1: River habitats and migratory fish
While a single river or lake is sufficient habitat for some fish, migratory fish are more demanding: like humans, they look for the right environment for each stage of their lives. Sturgeon, for example, spend most of their time in the sea, but migrate hundreds of kilometers up our rivers to reproduce. Sturgeon, along with salmon, allis shad, houting and eel, provide a strong link between our rivers, the sea and coastal areas.
The workshop focuses on the river as a habitat and provides teachers with materials in four categories:
- Inspiration
- School projects
- Experiments and equipment
- Field trips
These offer creative ideas for activities that can be carried out with everyday objects in the classroom or on field trips.
Curriculum framework
The content is particularly suitable for teaching sciences (grades 1-6: concept of interaction, system concept, movement in water), biology (grades 7-8: consideration of ecosystems as a whole, habitats and their inhabitants) and geography (grades 7-8: natural and anthropogenic phenomena, spatial problems on rivers, human-environment interactions).
Education for sustainable development also makes it possible to include the themes in other school subjects. For example, in German, fantasy stories can be told about water bodies, or in art, pictures can be drawn about migratory fish. In history, changes in cultural landscapes and different forms of use can be discussed.
Duration
90 to 120 minutes
Option 2: Discovering water – teaching ideas for engaging science lessons
How can we make the fascination of water tangible for children while strengthening their ability to manage water resources in a changing world? In this workshop, teachers will gain inspiration on how to integrate water-related topics – such as habitats, aquatic species, droughts, floods and the water cycle – into their lessons in a practical and engaging way. The workshop is based on the Water Discovery Calendar 2026, a free collection of materials provided to all participants.
As well as providing basic knowledge of the interrelationships and processes in different types of water bodies, the workshop will present simple experiments and ideas for local school projects. Advice on equipment and planning field trips will also be provided.
The training supports the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and demonstrates how ecological interrelationships can be taught in an action-oriented, cross-curricular manner. The aim is to foster pupils’ curiosity, environmental awareness, and creative problem-solving skills.
Learning objectives for the classroom
- Identify and describe the animals and plants found in and around water bodies.
- Compare different types of water bodies in terms of their characteristics.
- Identify environmental problems and develop initial ideas on how to actively contribute to environmental and water protection in everyday school life or through projects.
Target group
Primary school teachers of general studies or natural sciences.
Duration
3–5 hours
