A Systemwide Program of the University of Minnesota
Sea Grant's shipboard science programs transform teachers into motivated Great Lakes educators. These annual workshops, which occur on a different Great Lake each year, are part of the Center for Great Lakes Literacy. Over the course of a week and fueled by dynamic partnerships and the wind (real or virtual) in their sails, Great Lakes educators are exposed to the skills needed to navigate ship on a Great Lake, get to practice the science of lake ecology, and gain knowledge of the region’s seafaring history from a maritime archaeologist. These are trips of a lifetime.
Shipboard science workshops are day to week-long, onboard or virtual Great Lakes professional learning opportunities for educators from Great Lakes states. Workshops take place aboard the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s research vessel, the Lake Guardian, the University of Minnesota’s Large Lakes Observatory research vessel, the Blue Heron, Discovery World’s sailing vessel the Denis Sullivan, and other ships of opportunity.
Shipboard science workshops help participant educators gain an understanding of Great Lakes ecology, get hands-on experience doing water science, and foster awareness and appreciation for the Great Lakes. In addition to amazing stories about their real or virtual sailing adventures, workshop participants will take home curricula and resources to use in their classrooms and other teaching environments. Participants can also earn science education and graduate course credit.
Project activities:
The 2022 Lake Guardian shipboard science workshops on Lake Superior and Lake Huron are canceled due to mechanical issues. Planning for alternative workshops is underway.
Our shipboard science workshops support Sea Grant's mission to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal, marine and Great Lakes resources in order to create a sustainable economy and environment.
July 7-13, 2024: The 2024 Shipboard Science Workshop took place aboard the R/V Lake Guardian on Lake Erie.
Shipboard science workshops are available to 4th-12th grade teachers and educators in the Great Lakes states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New York.
