River basin

Over several hundred years the River Clyde has been built and converted from a broad shallow river where only small boats could travel to a deep narrow working river.

This involved pioneering work by engineers in the 18th 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the leading participants include John Golborne, John Rennie, Thomas Telford, James Watt, John Ure, and John Smeaton (responsible for our other waterfront - the Forth and Clyde Canal).

There are several subsections within this theme.

  • The canalisation of the Clyde - growth and decline of the harbour - dredging, quay walls and harbour construction
  • Flood risks and prevention
  • Water quality and habitat

Lesson/project ideas

Title Short description Related curricular areas Age group
Changing use of the river and its banks Explores the importance and changing nature of the River Clyde to the lives of individuals and communities. Expressive Arts, Science, Social Studies, Technologies Lower Secondary
Flood risk & prevention Examination of future problems and solutions for flooding due to global warming considered through past experiences. Languages, Mathematics, Social Studies Lower Secondary
Flooding and flood defences Through environmental studies topic 'Natural Disasters', put knowledge into practice in a project to design an effective flood defence in local area of Clyde. Expressive Arts, Languages, Science Upper Primary
Habitats and wildlife in the Clyde basin Decline and re-establishment of salmon as indicator of purification of waterways; biodiversity and wildlife. Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Languages, Science, Social Studies Lower Secondary
Molecules and ions challange Learners in teams complete a challenge demonstrating relevance of covalent and ionic chemistry in every day life for an audience of parents and peers. Expressive Arts, Languages, Science, Social Studies Upper Secondary
Mystery of the Clyde In this enterprising writing project, learners will act as journalists and write an article for a newspaper on the sighting of a mystery creature on the Clyde and its impact on the tourism industry. Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Languages, Science, Social Studies, Technologies Upper Primary
River basin - habitat Apply knowledge and understanding of local wildlife in a project to design an interesting and informative brochure to advertise the re-growth of wildlife on the Clyde. Expressive Arts, Mathematics, Science, Technologies Lower Secondary
Sharing a drink with a dinosaur! Using knowledge of 'the water cycle' to create interesting educational materials for school pupils to present at primary induction day and parent's evenings. Expressive Arts, Languages, Science, Social Studies Upper Primary
The changing course of the Clyde How the River Clyde between Glasgow and Dumbarton has been straightened and deepened through history to meet the needs of the city. Health and Wellbeing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technologies Lower Secondary
The Clyde and the slave trade - Atlantic trade Investigation in this field may well turn up some original research findings! This lesson/project will seek to establish through research, the degree to which Glasgow's links with the transatlantic slave trade existed. This will be enhanced with a craft project on the 'Middle Passage'. Languages, Social Studies, Technologies Upper Primary
The Clyde and the slave trade - impact on Glasgow Applying the principles and practice of urban development and regeneration in both a historical and modern context. Develop in learners through discussion with local planners and investors, positive attitudes towards enterprise and the need for investment. The final outcome will be presented to an audience of adults. Expressive Arts, Languages, Mathematics, Social Studies, Technologies Lower/Middle Secondary
The water cycle and water supplies The water cycle; sources of water past and present on Clydeside; the water supply business. Health and Wellbeing, Languages, Science, Social Studies, Technologies. Lower Secondary
The water of the Clyde - cholera Historical context of causes and consequences of water pollution will be focus of enquiry and technological solutions to the problems of polluted water supplies will be examined and solved through engaging learners in a model construction project based on the difficulties of piping water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. Social Studies, Technologies Lower/Middle Secondary
The water of the Clyde - purification Through gaining an understanding of the condition of the river over the past 150 years and the regeneration today, learners are involved in testing for impurities and collate a presentation on the advantages of technology. Expressive Arts, Languages, Science, Social Studies Lower/Middle Secondary
Trade and industry changes along the River Clyde Looks at changes in trade through time and the impact on local industries and towns.
Health and Wellbeing, Science, Social Studies		 Upper Primary. Lower Secondary

 

Also on this theme...
  • River basin support materials