Illinois Extension and Sea Grant K-12 education specialist joins the team

Posted June 5th, 2024 in Education, Featured, K-12 Education

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) welcomes Julie Fiorito, the program’s new K-12 education specialist. The focus of Fiorito’s work will be to increase Great Lakes literacy among Illinois and Indiana youth through development, delivery, and evaluation of science-based educational programming. 

“I believe that access to quality educational programming can give Lake Michigan communities the agency to create policy and cultural shifts to improve the health of the lake ecosystem,” said Fiorito. “I am excited to join IISG in this role to empower young learners in these communities through place-based education to become part of the solution to the environmental challenges the Great Lakes face.”

She will offer support to educators throughout the southern Lake Michigan basin in bringing the most recent aquatic research into their K-12 classrooms through immersive and engaging professional learning.

In her role with IISG, Fiorito will develop educational programming around Great Lakes issues, such as coastal resilience, invasive species, aquaculture, and food web ecology, that address local needs and increase science and Great Lakes literacy. She’ll also work directly with teachers in Illinois and Indiana to develop resources and opportunities including curricula, field days, and teacher training workshops.

Fiorito is skilled in a variety of education methodologies and has extensive experience as a high school teacher planning, directing, and coordinating various educational programs. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology teacher education from Illinois State University in 2012 and a Master of Science in teaching biological science from University of Illinois in 2017. 

She will be housed in Illinois Extension and located in Chicago at the Illini Center. 

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a partnership between NOAA, University of Illinois Extension, and Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources, bringing science together with communities for solutions that work. Sea Grant is a network of 34 science, education and outreach programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Lake Champlain, Puerto Rico and Guam.

IISG Instagram

Don`t miss out on the latest edition of our "Making Waves in Education" newsletter! Reserve your spot for a live, Students Ask Scientists call from Lake Superior, and stay updated on upcoming in-person events to learn and network with fellow educators. Perfect for Illinois and Indiana educators passionate about the Great Lakes and environmental education.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17951156597972005
Don't miss out on the latest edition of our "Making Waves in Education" newsletter! Reserve your spot for a live, Students Ask Scientists call from Lake Superior, and stay updated on upcoming in-person events to learn and network with fellow educators. Perfect for Illinois and Indiana educators passionate about the Great Lakes and environmental education.

Join us on June 6-7 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to explore aquaculture business management at the NCRAC Aquaculture Business Short Course! Presented by Sea Grant & @purdueextension, this course provides essential skills for effective farm finance management. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in aquaculture!

Important Info:
-Hands-on training to help aquaculture producers manage their farm finances
-Includes one-on-one expert time + free $120 textbook
-Instructors from Purdue, Mississippi State, and University of Maryland
-Laptop + farm financials required for participation
-Limited seating – first come, first served!

More info at the link in bio.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18046039451526560
Join us on June 6-7 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to explore aquaculture business management at the NCRAC Aquaculture Business Short Course! Presented by Sea Grant & @purdueextension, this course provides essential skills for effective farm finance management. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise in aquaculture!Important Info:-Hands-on training to help aquaculture producers manage their farm finances-Includes one-on-one expert time + free $120 textbook-Instructors from Purdue, Mississippi State, and University of Maryland-Laptop + farm financials required for participation-Limited seating – first come, first served!More info at the link in bio.

May is National Water Safety Month—and Lake Michigan deserves your attention. Its waves may look calm, but dangerous currents and sudden drop-offs make it the most hazardous Great Lake for drownings.

This May, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to get informed. Check out our brochures, safety tips, and the new Lake Michigan water safety video before heading out to the beach or boat.

Full story at the link in bio.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17847887121478092
May is National Water Safety Month—and Lake Michigan deserves your attention. Its waves may look calm, but dangerous currents and sudden drop-offs make it the most hazardous Great Lake for drownings.This May, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to get informed. Check out our brochures, safety tips, and the new Lake Michigan water safety video before heading out to the beach or boat.Full story at the link in bio.

Join the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative for an exciting webinar featuring educator and author Rick Reynolds. Rick will demonstrate how to engage grade 2-12 students using the newly developed science curriculum "Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems". Rick will share STEAM activities, including scientific investigations and simulations. Participants will also gain the tools and confidence to participate in the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative’s crayfish study- supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts.

Register for the webinar at the link in bio.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18100015732548817
Join the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative for an exciting webinar featuring educator and author Rick Reynolds. Rick will demonstrate how to engage grade 2-12 students using the newly developed science curriculum "Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems". Rick will share STEAM activities, including scientific investigations and simulations. Participants will also gain the tools and confidence to participate in the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative’s crayfish study- supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts. Register for the webinar at the link in bio.
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