Delaware River Steamboat Floating Classroom

• For Fun:

  Environment-based education is fun. As the whistle blows, a replica of an 1880 sternwheeler will take your group on a unique, two-mile voyage of adventure on the Delaware River. SPLASH the “smiling steamboat” docks at Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA. All ages and all groups are welcome. S.P.L.A.S.H stands for Student Participation in Learning Aquatic Science and History.

• For Science:

  Once a vibrant waterway for commerce, the river now supplies drinking water for 17,000,000 people. SPLASH will show you the wildlife that inhabits the water and shores—from plankton to herons. SPLASH engages students in the pursuit of clean drinking water. Interactive, on-board ecology lessons use a watershed model, water testing kits and microscopes. Biology, physics and chemistry are all part of this voyage of discovery. Activities are geared to the appropriate grade level and core curriculum standards. We also have an on-board, accredited Project WET seminar for teachers!

• For History and Social Studies:

  The Steamboat SPLASH takes you back in time to the river’s rich history—from George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware to Abraham Lincoln’s era of canals and the industrial revolution. Learn how Indian villages, mill towns and great cities grew up along this waterway. “River civics” is the name of the game. Kids role-play and learn at the same time.

• For any interest:

  Any subject can be taught from an environmental point of view. Princeton University faculty and environmental organizations will help you design a lesson plan in engineering, river art, river poetry, literature, music or any other subject. This is your chance to have creative fun.

The Steamboat SPLASH will take you on a unique and unforgettable trip on the Delaware River. Go to Step 1 in the left sidebar to get started.