More than 66,000 students, teachers, adult
chaperones, and volunteers in southeast Michigan have participated
in the Great Lakes Education Program since it began in 1991.
TV News Story
Interviews with Steve Stewart, Michigan Sea Grant, Gary Williams,
MSU Extension.
View Quicktime movie |
Contacts
 Steve Stewart
Great Lakes Education Program Director
Fax: (586) 469-6948
E-mail: stew@msu.edu
Mary Gerstenberger
Macomb Program Coordinator
E-mail: gerste10@msu.edu
Michigan Sea Grant
21885 Dunham Road - Suite 12
Clinton Township, MI 48036 |
Macomb County Overview
What is the Great Lakes Education Program?
The program introduces fourth-grade students to the unique features of the Great Lakes
through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience.
It is designed to stimulate interest in the Great Lakes and
help students understand their role in protecting these vital freshwater
resources.
Three Components
The program integrates elements of geography, history, biology and physical sciences in each
of its three components:
- Classroom introduction to Great Lakes. Students learn about concepts such as the aquatic food web, the water cycle, the roles of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the effects of exotic species.
- Field trip on the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. A two and one half hour educational cruise provides an opportunity for hands-on experience: students examine plankton samples, test water clarity, practice marine knot tying, take temperature readings, and more.
- Follow-up classroom experiments and discussion. Using data they've collected on the field trip, students conduct experiments and discuss what they've learned.
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Benefits
Educational Relevance. The Great Lakes Education Program is part of an approved science curriculum
for fourth-grade students and addresses an important need. Studies have
shown that fourth grade students in Michigan generally have little understanding
of the Great Lakes and local water resources. GLEP helps bridge this gap
and prepare students for their roles as future decision-makers responsible
for the state's natural resources.
Multidisciplinary Learning. By combining natural
and human elements of Michigan's coastal resources, GLEP touches on aspects
of social science, physical and biological science, mathematics, literature,
and the arts--all in the context of a common theme.
Proven Effectiveness.Recent research by Michigan
Sea Grant has shown that GLEP participants significantly increased their
knowledge of the Great Lakes and water resources. Anecdotal comments suggest
that GLEP's hands-on activities play an important role in stimulating
students' enthusiasm and interest in learning about the Great Lakes.
Easy to Participate. As a teacher, it's easy
for your class to participate in GLEP. You need not be a Great Lakes or
water resources expert. GLEP program leaders provide teachers with all
necessary learning materials, a training workshop, support contacts, and
volunteer assistance.
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