Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana
Curricula and Activities
To prepare students to be responsible decision-makers and future leaders, IISG has developed education programs that engage students in experiential practices to promote a sustainable society. Our education projects feature interdisciplinary lessons and activities that help educators teach Great Lakes Literacy Principles.
The Incredible Shrinking Cup
This activity provides a real-world way to teach students about the impact of pressure on volume (i.e., Boyle’s Law) by shrinking styrofoam cups in the depths of the Great Lakes. You’ll send us decorated cups, then we’ll sink them in a Great Lake and send them back to you. Students will see firsthand the effects of increased water depth on pressure and volume—their cups will be a fraction of the original size!
Freedom Seekers
The Freedom Seekers curriculum leverages Environmental Justice Education approaches to K-12 teaching. Through cross-curricular connections, the focus is on increasing awareness of local issues and history in the Great Lakes region. Curriculum topics include maritime connections to the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, how to conduct historical research, how race and historical U.S. Census data connect to the Underground Railroad, and famous Black scientists and inventors.
The Medicine Chest
The Medicine Chest is a series of lessons on the issues surrounding pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) that end up in Great Lakes and other waterways. These lessons give a thorough understanding of PPCP disposal issues. Stewardship activity ideas are also available to inspire action.
Lake Michigan by the Numbers
Lake Michigan by the Numbers uses real-time buoy data as a teaching tool about Lake Michigan conditions and current issues. The five lessons are data-driven and interdisciplinary.
Aquaculture Family Coloring Book
This print-your-own coloring book provides a fun and active way for children and adults to learn about the many kinds of aquatic animals that are raised on aquaculture farms.
Helping Hands: Restoring Great Lakes Habitat
Helping Hands engages upper elementary and high school students in Great Lakes environmental stewardship. It is designed for schools located in Areas of Concern that are undergoing cleanup and restoration, but the curriculum can apply to any Great Lakes community.
More Education Products and Publications
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant has a long history of developing a range of educational materials.
Contact Info
Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Coordinator and Great Lakes Outreach Specialist
Related News
- IISG finds new approaches to help communities and others make informed decisions
- IISG is seeking a new Great Lakes K-12 education specialist
- Educators can apply for Lake Erie Shipboard Science Workshop
- With a Hydrolab, student scientists study their own environment
- In the News: Kristin TePas explores crucial role of teachers in testing Great Lakes water quality aboard EPA ship