IISG’s Nab the Aquatic Invader Playing Cards has won a 2009 APEX Award for Publication Excellence in One–of-a-kind Environmental Publications. The award goes to Robin Goettel, Terri Hallesy and Susan White of IISG, along with Dave Brenner of the University of Michigan.

The playing cards are based on invasive aquatic species characters developed for the Nab the Aquatic Invader website. The cards are designed to introduce 4-10th grade students to AIS in a fun way, with games such as “Invader Hide and Seek,” “Exotic Species Recall” and “The Lonely Police Chief.”

 

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There’s still time to register! Educators are invited to join the Great Lakes Region Place-Based Education Institute starting this February and dive into hands-on strategies that connect students with their communities and local environments. Don’t miss this powerful professional learning opportunity!Learn more & register at the link in bio.
🎉 Congratulations to our IISG Knauss Fellowship finalists! We’re proud to announce Anupama Chandroth (@iubloomington) and Laura Gray (@illinois1867) as Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s finalists for the 2026 Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship.They’ll join a national cohort of 48 finalists placed in executive and legislative branch offices in Washington, D.C., contributing scientific expertise to federal decision-making on marine, coastal, and Great Lakes issues.Full story at the link in bio.
Ripple Effects is a collection of 8 activities for grades 6–12 that introduces students to aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes.Through research, reporting, and role-playing games, students will:✅ Explore how non-native species arrived✅ Understand why they threaten native ecosystems✅ Investigate their impact on the Great LakesAligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Great Lakes Literacy Principles, this curriculum is perfect for engaging students in real-world science and stewardship.🔗 visit the link in bio to learn more