US EPA research vessel, Lake Guardian
The Center for Great Lakes Literacy and Great Lakes Sea Grant Network invite teachers (working with students in grades 5-12) and informal educators with a Great Lakes focus to apply for a spot on this unique, expenses-paid, educators’ cruise. Applicants must reside in a Great Lakes state. Applications are due February 28, 2020.
 

Join us for a week-long professional learning opportunity, working side-by-side with scientists on the 180-foot research vessel Lake Guardian. Participants board the ship on July 6, 2020 in Milwaukee, WI and return to Milwaukee on July 12, 2020.

  • Work alongside top scientists as we explore the ecology, geology, geography, biogeochemistry, weather, and current issues affecting Lake Michigan. 
  • Learn to collect data and use scientific equipment to study water quality, food web dynamics, microbes, zooplankton, and larval fish.
  • Experience high-quality curricula and resources focusing on Great Lakes literacy.
  • Share this shipboard experience of a lifetime with like-minded educators dedicated to bringing environmental issues that affect the Great Lakes to the forefront of science education.
  • Earn a stipend and 60 contact hours (if interested, two graduate semester hours from Ashland University [$360 tuition] can be purchased by the participant).

Interested? Check out the research vessel,and past blogs.

Meet two of the scientists leading the experience: Paris Collingsworth and Maureen Coleman.

Workshop Details

Registration/Application Deadline: February 28, 2020

Event Dates: July 6 – 12, 2020

Event Location: Lake Michigan (departing from and returning to Milwaukee, WI)

Applicants: Grades 5 – 12 classroom teachers and informal educators, must reside in a Great Lakes state

For More Information: Contact Terri Hallesy (thallesy@illinois.edu) or Joan Cox (jesarey@illinois.edu)

Application Materials

Personal Statement

Letter of Recommendation

Online application

flyer with more workshop info, including trip logistics. Contact Terri Hallesy at thallesy@illinois.edu for details

flyer with more workshop info, including trip logistics. Contact Terri Hallesy at thallesy@illinois.edu for details


Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a part of University of Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension.

IISG Instagram

🌊 Save the Date! 🌊Shipboard Science Immersion 2026Join the Center for Great Lakes Literacy aboard the R/V Lake Guardian on Lake Superior, July 7–14, 2026!✅ Open to formal & nonformal educators (grades 5–12) across the Great Lakes region.📅 Applications open January 2026Learn more: https://cgll.org/signature-program/r-v-lake-guardian-shipboard-science-immersion/ or the link in bio.#TeachingTuesday
Join the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative for an exciting webinar featuring Dr. Chris Taylor from the Illinois Natural History Survey who will provide an overview of midwestern crayfish habitat requirements, feeding, reproductive biology, and life-history.Crayfishes in the Midwest occupy almost every type of aquatic and semi-aquatic habitat in the region. They function as critically important components of those ecosystems and in many cases represent a majority of invertebrate biomass. As “keystone” species, understanding their biology and roles in ecosystems is critically important. Register for the webinar at InvasiveCrayfish.org/events1 Or the link in bio.
This season, let’s teach eco-friendly habits while spreading cheer! NOAA’s Greener Holiday Gift Guide is full of ideas to reduce waste and protect our precious water resources. Check out the full guide at the link in bio. #teachingtuesdayNOAA Marine Debris NOAA Education