The Rivers Project at Southern Illinois University began in February, 1990 as a pilot program involving eight high schools along the Mississippi and lower Illinois River. The Rivers Project network has grown through the training of teachers from across the United States and Canada. With scientific literacy as the ultimate goal, students collect and analyze water samples from various test sites. The study of streams and water quality presents unique opportunities to apply to real-world situations many of the techniques students encounter in mathematics courses. This guide provides students with a chance to develop the math skills necessary for assessing scientific data. Students learn statistical methods and applications, scientific measurement, and quantitative analysis techniques using actual river data. Lessons on equation and formulas, graphing, and statistics are also featured. Readiness tests to help teachers determine which skills need to be covered or reviewed are included. (ASK)