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This nation-wide project is sponsored in Georgia by the National Science Center Fort Discovery collaborating with the Georgia Educational Technology Training Centers. The project is directed by the ETTC at the National Science Center. 

Topics from the novel to use and possible extension activities . . .  

• Website about the author, Jean Craighead George
• Habitats site
• Biomes, rainforests, and animal outlines
• Cutthroat information
• More cutthroat information
• Questions, an aquatic field study component and more!! (one of Claudia's favorites!!)
• Author information: a biography and an interview transcript
• Pre reading, during reading, and post reading activities for the novel
• Explore the food chain and the food web - What is in Fish's food chain?
• Compare the Jackson Hole watershed to the Panama watershed and your local watershed
• On page 16, it is stated that the cutthroat is "the last of a native species" from this area - research the status of any plants or animals in Panama that are thought to be gone and may still live in "pockets"
• We learn that fish are tagged in order to learn more about them. Learn more about the methods used to track animals in the rainforest.
• On page 44, we learn of the effects of a drought in the river ecology. Think about the rainforest... what would be the effects of a drought or a surplus of water in the rainforest? Are there other factors that can influence the rainforest?
• Al teaches Spinner the importance of good record keeping and data documentation when conducting research. How important is this in the science world?
• The compass is a vital tool in Spinner and Al's survival. What tools would you want to have if you were trekking through the forest?
• Take a look at the various trees of the Wyoming forest. Compare these trees and the forest layers to the rainforests of Panama and your local forest.
• The presence of bears is of noteworthy importance in the novel. What large animals might prove to be of danger to people in the Panama rainforests? In your local forest?
• Why is it important that people not feed bears in the wild? Spread the word to others, especially if this is a problem in your area.
• On page 65, the mention the thin air due to lack of oxygen. How does this compare with various altitudes in the Panama rainforest?
• On page 79, Spinner is intrigued with Al's knowledge. Do you know someone who, like Al, has a deep knowledge of a certain topic that it simply amazes you?
• On page 98, Al saves Maude Marsh and her father with literally no thanks at all. Why do you think the Marshes "ran off" so fast?
• On page 125, Spinner and Al talk about looking at the world differently - wondering how a bird sees people. Discuss the importance of looking at something through another perspective.
• Do you think Spinner's respect for Al changed when she found out that he wanted to solve the cutthroat mystery for the fishing award and not for science? Has anyone ever done something to change your respect for them?
• This book was first published (and is therefore based on information from) 1975. How have things changed for the cutthroats over the years?
• Spinner changes a lot over the course of the novel, as noted below. Have you ever had a "life changing" event that made you look at things from a different perspective?
  • In chapter 6 (page 106) she states that she "has emerged from her old skin of fears and doubts to become a person  at ease with the rocks and forests".
  • Spinner refers to herself as a midge in a waterfall and a nymph in the pool turning to something new."
• Investigate prey/predator relationships
• Research geological maps and the importance of the Geological Survey. What is involved in becoming a mapmaker?
• Investigate the taxidermy business, see if you can get a guest speaker to come and explain to the kids what taxidermy is all about
• The novel mentions having your own cabin, what would you do with your own cabin?
• Spinner recalls that Aunt Mary is a person of many persons, what does this mean to you? Do you know people that fit this description?
• Owl pellet research similar to investigating the insects found in a given area of the stream - or research your own stream
• Explore life cycles
• Research different species of trout
• Study hydromechanics and how it contributes to the diamond shaped spacing of the fish
• This is truly a story of survival, do you think you could have survived as Spinner or as Al/Alligator?
• Environmental Learning Ideas
• Survival ideas, activities, and lyrics to a song
• Ecology site: food chain ideas to pull into the novel
• Author information and a novel summary