Ripple Effects curriculum engages students on the spread of aquatic invasive species

Posted January 20th, 2026 in Aquatic Invasive Species, Education, Featured, K-12 Education
An open copy of the curriculum, Ripple Effects, next to the Ripple Effects design.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) announces a new curriculum—”Ripple Effects” is a newly updated collection of hands‑on, inquiry‑based lessons that immerse 6–12 grade students in the science and real‑world challenges of the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Great Lakes region.

This curriculum provides opportunities for students to engage in research, reporting, and role-playing games and activities to learn why these non-native species threaten native ones, how they came to the region, and their impact on Great Lakes ecosystem dynamics.

“Through activities that explore how AIS are introduced, spread, and managed, students gain a deeper understanding of their impact on Great Lakes ecosystems, and the role young people can play in protecting them,” said Julie Fiorito, IISG Great Lakes K-12 education specialist.

The role-playing activity provides an engaging way for students to experience how invasive species can impact an ecosystem. As students, as part of a group, take on native or invasive species’ needs and behaviors, resources diminish, and the picture becomes clear. Other activities include developing research and analytical skills, as well as preparing and presenting information to the class.

Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and Great Lakes Literacy Principles, the lessons can be used individually or combined as a comprehensive, progressive curriculum.

“As future leaders and decision makers, students benefit from learning how environmental issues like AIS shape the health, resilience, and sustainability of their communities,” added Fiorito.

IISG Instagram

Some partnerships just make sense. Happy Valentine’s Day from IISG! 💕

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Some partnerships just make sense. Happy Valentine’s Day from IISG! 💕

This February marks a major milestone: 30 years of aquatic invasive species outreach by our team! To celebrate, IISG Director, Stuart Carlton, and Strategic Communication Coordinator, Renie Miles, sat down for a Sea Grant Chat with two key figures in IISG’s AIS history: Pat Charlebois, our assistant director and program leader, who spent over two decades leading our prevention efforts, and Katie O’Reilly, who took over that role in 2022. We discussed the evolution of the invasive species issue in the Great Lakes, the shift toward understanding human behavior, and the creative strategies that make this team so effective.

Dive into the full interview at the link in bio.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18053780390453750
This February marks a major milestone: 30 years of aquatic invasive species outreach by our team! To celebrate, IISG Director, Stuart Carlton, and Strategic Communication Coordinator, Renie Miles, sat down for a Sea Grant Chat with two key figures in IISG’s AIS history: Pat Charlebois, our assistant director and program leader, who spent over two decades leading our prevention efforts, and Katie O’Reilly, who took over that role in 2022. We discussed the evolution of the invasive species issue in the Great Lakes, the shift toward understanding human behavior, and the creative strategies that make this team so effective. Dive into the full interview at the link in bio.

Introducing the Lake Michigan Explorer!
Start exploring the varied factors that impact the Great Lakes with our Explorer Series. This searchable database of external resources can help you find hands-on activities that spark curiosity and inspire action.

✨ What’s inside?
Lesson plans, fact sheets, and reading materials
Engaging videos and visualizations
Easy-to-use filters by grade level, topic, and time.
Perfect for classrooms and informal learning, this resource empowers students to become stewards of the Great Lakes.

🔗 in bio for more.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17993556791875462
Introducing the Lake Michigan Explorer! Start exploring the varied factors that impact the Great Lakes with our Explorer Series. This searchable database of external resources can help you find hands-on activities that spark curiosity and inspire action. ✨ What’s inside?Lesson plans, fact sheets, and reading materialsEngaging videos and visualizationsEasy-to-use filters by grade level, topic, and time.Perfect for classrooms and informal learning, this resource empowers students to become stewards of the Great Lakes.🔗 in bio for more.