Rivers

What do you know about rivers? Do you know where rivers come from? Do you know any rivers in your local area? What types of animals would you find in or near a river? Is there anything you would like to know about rivers?

Where do rivers come from? Does water flow up or down when you turn on a tap? Yes, water always flows down! And rivers are the same – they always flow down from high land down to low land.

Glenealo river in the Wicklow mountains The place where a river begins is called the source. The source of a river is often in high ground, like a mountain. Glenealo river in the Wicklow mountains

Eglish River, Bluestack Moutains Where does it go then? From the source of the river the water travels down the mountain. As it flows down the water very slowly breaks away earth, soil and rocks to create a path down the mountain. This is called erosion. Eglish River, Bluestack Moutains

Powerscourt Waterfall, Co. Wicklow What do you think forms when a river flows over a steep slope or cliff in a hill? That’s right – a waterfall! Powerscourt Waterfall, Co. Wicklow

The smaller river Bann joins the Slaney river. A river continues to grow bigger as it continues it’s journey, as other smaller rivers join it. These rivers are called tributaries. The smaller river Bann joins the Slaney river.

The mouth of a river, where it flows into the sea. A river finishes it’s journey when it flows into the sea. The place where the river meets the sea is called the mouth of the river. The mouth of a river, where it flows into the sea.

Wildlife Many animals, fish and birds live in or around rivers. Otters Salmon Swans Heron Kingfisher Trout Ducks

Quiz Water always flows… Up Down Across

The start of a river is called it’s… Source Mouth Tributary

When a river breaks away soil and rocks to make a path it is called… Breaking Eating Erosion

A small river that joins a bigger river is called a… Stream Tributary Lake

A river finishes it’s journey at the… Mouth Eye Ear

Which of these animals might you find near a river? Deer Otter Fox

Can you think of any rivers near you? Try drawing the journey of the river from source to mouth on a map. And next time you explore a river or stream keep a sharp eye out for some of the local wildlife.