Third Graders Learn about the Cumberland River Basin
by Lisa Preston, lower school naturalist
As part of their upcoming Land and Water unit, the third graders went on a journey to the Bridge Building downtown to learn from the staff at the Cumberland River Compact and see what they are doing to improve our quality of life through our water.
As part of their upcoming Land and Water unit, the third graders went on a journey to the Bridge Building downtown to learn from the staff at the Cumberland River Compact and see what they are doing to improve our quality of life through our water.
The students learned about Nashville's industrial beginnings and how the riverfront has changed over time. They got to witness a simulation of a flash flood with a model which shows how different surfaces can affect the watershed and ultimately the Cumberland River. The model contrasts parking lots with green spaces and shows how environmentally-friendly designs can help capture and use the water.
We also learned that the amount of usable fresh water on the planet amounts to "a drop in the bucket" when compared to other water sources like the oceans, so it is an important resource to protect.
We also learned that the amount of usable fresh water on the planet amounts to "a drop in the bucket" when compared to other water sources like the oceans, so it is an important resource to protect.
Another highlight of the day was understanding the delicate balance that our watersheds have on aquatic life. The web of life reminds us that we are all connected and that every organism is affected when the health of our water is compromised.
The third graders left knowing ways that they can help preserve this precious resource so that it is here not only for them but for years to come.
It was a great day with a beautiful view of the Cumberland River and the Nashville skyline.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Experienced educators join High School
Allison Van Konynenburg returns to USN as Interim HS Dean of Teaching and Learning. Taking on additional responsibilities this academic year, Justin Fitzpatrick is now Interim HS Dean for Academic Affairs and Laura Snow is the High School Academic Operations Manager.Read More -
Lower School welcomes new faculty for 2026-2027
Please join us in welcoming to USN: LS Spanish Teacher Connor Mitchell, LS Music Teacher Marisa Frank, LS Learning Support Specialist MacKenzie Grant, Fourth Grade Teacher Alexis Novotny, Second Grade Teachers Cara Bishop and Lindsay Moates, First Grade Teachers Marisa Depke and Molly Roth '10, and Kindergarten Teacher Ellen Haber '00. Also, Naturalist Carrie Riley transitions to LS from the HS Science Department.Read More -
Middle School welcomes learning specialist
Learning Specialist Rachel Harley has over a decade in middle school education. Her office is located in room 1171 on the first floor of the Gordon Wing, in the former Middle School conference room.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.