Education -archive

Beach Cleanup, small plasticsLake Michigan sparks curiosity and can offer many cross-curricular connections. IISG can help you learn more about this amazing shared resource through activities, curriculum, professional learning, and stewardship project support. Explore the education resources and tools below to enhance your appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of southern Lake Michigan.

 

 

  Educator Resources

 

Center for Great Lakes Literacy

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant collaborates with other Sea Grant educators through the Center for Great Lakes Literacy. The center’s goal is to develop a community of Great Lakes literate educators, students, scientists, environmental professionals, and citizen volunteers, dedicated to improved Great Lakes stewardship”.

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Curriculum and Activities

Bring Great Lakes science to life with experiential learning. Our curriculum materials and activities focus on hands-on ways of exploring science concepts, environmental challenges, and stewardship through the lens of the Great Lakes.

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Explorers

Use these tools to explore a curated list of external educational resources on the topics of weather and climate, pollution and nutrient losses in our waterways.

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Learning at Home

Explore the Great Lakes from home with a curated list of online resources for educators, parents, and curious lifelong learners.

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Loanable Kits

Borrow materials to provide hands-on learning for your students. Ready-to-use educational materials cover topics ranging from Great Lakes fisheries, invasive species, marine debris, plastic pollution and water quality.

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Professional Learning

Find learning opportunities and stewardship support to bring the Great Lakes into your formal or non-formal classroom through professional development.

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Students Ask Scientists

Connect your classroom with a research scientist who can illustrate concepts with real-world examples, expose your students to careers in science, and deepen their understanding and appreciation for the Great Lakes.

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IISG Instagram

Celebrate Earth Day with freshwater science and good conversation! Join Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the Northwestern Center for Water, Loyola University researcher Tim Hoellein, and IISG’s Sarah Zack for Science Sips: Trash Talk about Chicago Waterways. Learn what research reveals about litter and trash in Lake Michigan and Chicago waterways and what we can do to help.
Plus, enjoy Great Lakes trivia games!

📅 April 22, 2026
⏰ 7–9 PM
📍 Sketchbook Brewing Company, Evanston Tap Room

Come curious and ready to test your Great Lakes knowledge!

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18131013136535442
Celebrate Earth Day with freshwater science and good conversation! Join Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the Northwestern Center for Water, Loyola University researcher Tim Hoellein, and IISG’s Sarah Zack for Science Sips: Trash Talk about Chicago Waterways. Learn what research reveals about litter and trash in Lake Michigan and Chicago waterways and what we can do to help.Plus, enjoy Great Lakes trivia games!📅 April 22, 2026⏰ 7–9 PM📍 Sketchbook Brewing Company, Evanston Tap RoomCome curious and ready to test your Great Lakes knowledge!

Find us at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, March 27–29! We’re linking Subnautica with Great Lakes science through fun, hands‑on activities about food webs, invasive species, and aquaponics.

Come geek out with us!

🔗 in bio for event info

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18072583901167383
Find us at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, March 27–29! We’re linking Subnautica with Great Lakes science through fun, hands‑on activities about food webs, invasive species, and aquaponics.Come geek out with us! 🔗 in bio for event info

Coastal protection is not limited to concrete, rocks, and steel. Coastal protection solutions exist on a spectrum, ranging from softer “green” solutions to harder “gray” structures.

Nature-based coastal solutions fall between green and gray techniques, providing multiple benefits to people and habitats.

Our three-part video series, Nature-Based Coastal Solutions in the Great Lakes, is now available to watch. Learn how nature-based coastal solutions, including nature-driven and hybrid approaches, can protect shorelines while supporting ecosystems and communities.

Watch the 3-part video series at the link in bio.

(Photo credit: Liz Spitzer, Illinois State Geological Survey, Coastal Research Group)

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17873389053437520
Coastal protection is not limited to concrete, rocks, and steel. Coastal protection solutions exist on a spectrum, ranging from softer “green” solutions to harder “gray” structures.Nature-based coastal solutions fall between green and gray techniques, providing multiple benefits to people and habitats.Our three-part video series, Nature-Based Coastal Solutions in the Great Lakes, is now available to watch. Learn how nature-based coastal solutions, including nature-driven and hybrid approaches, can protect shorelines while supporting ecosystems and communities.Watch the 3-part video series at the link in bio.(Photo credit: Liz Spitzer, Illinois State Geological Survey, Coastal Research Group)