Downstream/Upstream's Offspring: Earth Systems Journey

Downstream/Upstream took place in 2011 with preschoolers and kindergarteners, now turning 8-10. The project has been exhibited in several venues, currently it is at St. Paul Regional Water Services. A printed publication is also underway.

But, while the actual experience of Downstream/Upstream is completed, the curriculum framework model it incubated and piloted is continuing on. "Earth Systems Journey" has its own website now, and there is a new pilot with a high school currently happening in St. Paul, with another pilot at the elementary level planned for summer 2016.

The Downstream/Upstream website will only be updated occasionally for exhibit and publication updates, but I hope you'll follow the progress of its offspring model and new projects at Earth Systems Journey.

“River Journey: Exploring the Value of the Mississippi” is the name of the current Earth Systems Journey pilot. This project will take place at River’s Edge Academy Charter Environmental High School, where I will collaborate with teachers, staff and students on a year long “Earth Systems Journey” of water through their school, tracing the flows to the Mississippi River, both upstream and downstream.

Febuary 13th: Downstream/Upstream on display for FMR event at Science Museum

Child collecting water from the Mississippi River, during their
water journey in the Downstream/Upstream project

Excerpt from associated song lyrics:
Making puddles for the toads
Washing up the dirty roads
From the land the water flows
And the Mississippi grows

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) has invited Full Spring Studio to display Downstream/Upstream along with other water-related art projects in conjunction with their annual public lecture series at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The theme this year is on "Our Water in a Changing World: Climate Change and the Urban Watershed," Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 7-8:30 p.m. At the time of this writing, there is a waiting list for the lecture, but check the link for current details. I'm looking forward to sharing work and discussing the intersection of art, place making and environmental awareness.

Downstream/Upstream Exhibit on View During SPRWS Open House October 10, 2013

Photograph of Flocculator Basin by Paul,
Pre-Kindergarten Downstream/Upstream participant

The Downstream/Upstream Exhibit will be on view during the St. Paul Regional Water Services Open House Thursday October 10 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McCarrons Center, 1900 Rice St.
Saint Paul, MN  55113 Please note that the  Rice Street entrance will be closed and visitors should enter off of Larpenteur Avenue, using Sylvan Street. Open House Flyer

Downstream/Upstream Exhibit Opens at St. Paul Regional Water Services

Portion of Downstream/Upstream Exhibit at St. Paul Regional Water Services

DOWNSTREAM/ UPSTREAM
A Journey Through the Urban Water Cycle
Opened April 22, 2013 at McCarrons Room, St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS).

 

It is particularly rewarding to have Downstream/ Upstream exhibited at SPRWS, since the organization and its representatives played a key role in the project. Jim Bode, Water Quality Supervisor, and Justine Roe of SPRWS led tour groups of the pre-schoolers and kindergarteners at the water treatment plant.

 

The exhibit is in the McCarrons Room which is a gathering point for tours and features views into some of the water treatment areas. 

 

Call Jodi Wallin, public information officer for SPRWS for Tour Availability 651-266-6308

 

 

  

Downstream/Upstream Exhibition and Reception at Institute on the Environment

Exhibit

Downstream/Upstream: A Journey Through the Urban Water Cycle
December 21, 2012 – February 8, 2013

Commons Gallery Opening Presentation and Reception
Wednesday, February 6, 2013, 12:00-1:30 pm
Institute on the Environment’s Commons Gallery, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota. Parking, address, and map:    Institute on the Environment Website  

Link to Notice          

 Flyer

Project Presentation at American Public Works Association, Minnesota Chapter

Presentation: Downstream/Upstream: Fostering Appreciation of Water/Sewer Infrastructure through Creative Collaboration in Education and Outreach
November 15, 2012

2012 APWA MN Fall Conference (American Public Works Association, Minnesota Chapter)
Co-presenting with Bill Dircks, Public Works Superintendent, City of Little Canada Water Department, member MN APWA

Mississippi River Forum to feature Downstream/Upstream

Downstream/Upstream: A Journey Through the Urban Water Cycle
Friday, July 27, 2012. 8:00-9:30 a.m. (St. Cloud)
Friday, August 24, 2012. 8:00-9:30 a.m. (Twin Cities)
Mississippi River Forum Lectures, National Park Service
FREE to Public -- RSVP to lark_weller@nps.gov
Link to Mississippi River Forum Description

The Mississippi River Forum is hosted by the National Park Service. "The Mississippi River Forum is intended to increase coordination between a multidisciplinary group of practitioners and decision-makers who are not consistently aware that related work is being done by others. The Forum is also an opportunity for practitioners to connect their work to those in different fields who also impact the quality of the river."