Great Lakes Education
Learning about the Great Lakes can take many forms that might involve participating in a summer program, visiting a museum or simply clicking on a Web link. Michigan Sea Grant took advantage of creative educational opportunities in 2003 to bring the excitement and wonder of the Great Lakes to diverse audiences within and beyond the region. These activities complemented ongoing education programs for Michigan’s K-12 students that emphasize participation and hands-on learning as a way to stimulate interest and encourage lifelong stewardship of the region’s freshwater resources.

Online Educational Lessons
Michigan Sea Grant communications finalized a series of online educational lessons for students and teachers based on the award-winning curriculum for the Great Lakes Education Program.

Designed as a pilot series, the four lessons explain the fundamentals of freshwater concepts on water temperature, benthic life, water chemistry (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and the aquatic food web. In developing the lessons, special emphasis was placed on meeting state educational standards for Michigan science education. See the lessons online: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/education

Life of the Lakes Exhibit Explores Biodiversity
A new “Life of the Lakes” exhibit at the University of Michigan (UM) explores the science of the Great Lakes, including the role of people in lake health and biodiversity. The exhibit, co-sponsored by Michigan Sea Grant and the UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History, focuses on the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Michigan Sea Grant graphic artist Dave Brenner designed the museum exhibit panels, which are based on content from the popular Life of the Lakes booklet and poster. The publication was designed and produced by Michigan Sea Grant in September 2003. A special public cable access program about the exhibit aired in southeastern Michigan in February, featuring Communications Director Elizabeth LaPorte.