Learning Resources: Rivers

Many of our resources are designed to be used with one of our river flume models, but can be adapted to support river studies and STEM education activities.

The river flume shows the flow of water in a simple channel and features scale models of typical engineered structures, including weirs, bridges, culverts and debris screens.

You can see in real time how these different structures interact with the flow and what happens under flood conditions.

Watch the river flume demonstration video, then complete the activities!

Water safety

Water safety demonstration flume

We developed a water safety demonstration flume in partnership with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, to help their Public Safety Officers to raise awareness of water safety with local schools and communities.

This short film uses the flume to show how water behaves in rivers when it interacts with different features, and how currents can quickly become dangerous.

Resources and activities

The RNLI, Royal Life Saving Society and the National Fire Chiefs Council have created some excellent water safety resources.

They are freely available online for families, carers and educators to help people learn about water safety at rivers and at the coast:

• Drowning Prevention Week (Royal Life Saving Society)
• Be Water Aware (National Fire Chiefs Council)
• Float To Live – What To Do If You Fall In Water