Clearwater Digital Learning Library
Are you an inquisitive explorer of estuaries? Or an educator looking for lessons from the Hudson River?
The digital experiences and activities below are a wonderful place to start connecting with stories from the Hudson River and the iconic Sloop Clearwater. Check out our mini-lessons from the river, comical crew videos, and self guided activities below!
Estuary Education Shorts (Approx 1-5 min)
What is a Watershed?
Join Eli for brookside discussion of watersheds and the area of land that makes up the Hudson River’s watershed.
Meet the Blue Crab
Fredi introduces us to a blue crab and shares some of the things that make them unique.
Can I Eat the Fish?
A largemouth bass shares some words about whether it is safe to eat fish from the Hudson River.
Mechanical Advantage Onboard
Liam and Austin get into the physics of how pulleys help us do the heavy lifting onboard the Sloop Clearwater.
It Began at Storm King
Eli pays a visit to Storm King, and highlights how the mountain is connected to the story of environmental advocacy on the Hudson River.
A Sturgeon Minute
It’s time to talk sturgeon with Tim and his plush pal. Just what makes these fish so special any way?
The Amazing American Eel
Eli spends a couple minutes introducing us to the lifecycle and adaptations of the amazing American Eel.
An Apex Predator: The Striped Bass
Alasdair shares some fun facts about one of the Hudson’s top predators, the Striped Bass.
You Otter See This
Channeling her inner otter, Amy delivers the facts and plunges into the chilly Hudson River.
Fun on the River (Approx 1-5 min)
Tour the Sloop
Join the crew for a jovial tour of the sloop, both above and below decks.
Bracelet Making with Marilia
Join Marilia onboard the sloop to learn how to make your very own nautical bracelet.
Sounds of the Sloop
Is this ASMR onboard? Enjoy the audio ambiance of your surroundings onboard the Sloop Clearwater.
Beware the Banjo!
It’s winter maintenance time onboard the Sloop Clearwater, and there’s no escaping Dylan the banjo player.
Pass the Tool Onboard
Engineer Mary’s wrench is missing. Join the crew as they pass tools through various parts of the sloop to return them to their rightful place.
Clearwater’s Sailing Classroom
A glimpse at Clearwater’s award winning sailing classroom program, filmed in 2018.
Self Guided Hudson River Activities
Clearwater’s Key to Common Fishes
Use this Dichotomous key to identify Hudson River fish! And don’t miss the fish ID game and fish parts quiz game!
Panoramble Tour of the Sloop Clearwater
It’s like Google Street View on the sloop! Explore the sloop on your own and see what you discover along the way. Some things to find: juggling balls, a duck, 5 stained glass windows, a compass, the word “Life,” and a set of wrenches.
Teaching Resources from DEC
The NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Hudson River Estuary Program maintains a fantastic collection of Hudson River teaching resources and lessons.
More on YouTube
Check out our YouTube channel and social media pages for more great lessons and stories from the Sloop Clearwater and Hudson River
In-Person Clearwater Programs and Live Virtual Field Trips

