Cranbrook Institute of Science presents...
Harris Family Great Lakes Environmental Education Programs
These programs provide hands-on learning experiences designed to help students understand freshwater science and current Great Lakes issues during a museum visit.
Biological Monitoring of the Rouge River on Cranbrook's Campus
We cover a wide variety of topics directly linked to the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations. The programs are designed to be fun and reinforce Life Science and Earth Science topics covered in the classroom.
These programs are made possible by the Harris Family Philanthropic Fund.
Program Length
Most programs last 45 minutes. Programming length and content can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Water Quality Monitoring requires 1.5 to 2 hours.
Registration
To register and for more information on scheduling and fees, please visit the School Group Registration page. You can also contact the Cranbrook Institute of Science scheduling office by phone at (248) 645-3210, Monday-Friday, 8am – 4pm.
Additional school group programs are available from Cranbrook Institute of Science to complete your science museum experience. Download our 2012 - 2013 Educator Guide! Trips to the Institute offer GLCE-aligned programs and hands-on scientific experiences!
Programs
Great Lakes Invaders!
Grades 5-Adult
From zebra mussels to round gobies to exotic wetland flora, many plants and animals have been introduced to the Great Lakes with harmful impact to its ecosystem. Learn about Aquatic Invasive Species through observation of samples collected from the Great Lakes. Students will explore how changes in one population might affect other populations based on a food chain studying “Great Lakes Most Un-wanted!”
Download Great Lakes Invaders Vocabulary
Download Aquatic Invasive Species Student Note Page
Download Exotic Species Crossword
Download Lake St. Clair Food Web
Internet Links:
Nab the Aquatic Invader! is an interactive website with games to help students learn about Aquatic Invasive Species.
Great Lakes Invasion Student Booklet is a workbook with puzzles, articles and resources.
Aligns to Great Lakes Literacy Principle 5 - The Great Lakes support a broad diversity of life and ecosystems.
Water Quality Monitoring on Cranbrook’s Campus Premium Program
Grades 5-Adult
Sept. 20-Oct. 28, 2011 and Apr. 9 -June 15, 2012 Students gather water samples from the Rouge River on Cranbrook’s Campus to measure water quality using physical and biological assessments. Identification and classification of benthic macro-invertebrates provides data about water quality as students sort, identify and count creatures harvested from the river bottom. This hands-on experience opens a new world of awareness and scientific inquiry as to the health of local rivers and streams. NOTE: Program occurs outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather. This is a 90 minute premium program with a fee of $12. Add an optional Science on the Screen prep class to this program.
Data Sheets to review with students prior to the program:
Download Student Rouge River WQ Monitoring Data Sheet Physical Survey
Download Watershed Bio Assess Data Sheet
Benthic macro-invertebrate key:
Download the Key to the Macroinvertebrate Life in the River - Print on 11 x17 paper for best viewing
Southeastern Michigan watersheds map:
Download SouthEast MichiganWatersheds
Great Lakes Food Web
Grades 4-Adult
Habitat loss, invasive species, and pollution have resulted in dramatic changes in plant and animal populations in the Great Lakes. By viewing plankton samples and fish, students learn about the food web that links species together in this complex system. Students will find out how the tiniest of creatures can make a big ecological impact!
Download Great Lakes Aquatic Food Web MI Sea Grant
Download Lake St Clair food web
Download Lake Michigan food web
Download Lake Ontario food web
Download Lake Superior food web
Download Harmful Algae Bloom vs Muck
Download Bluegreen algae factsheet
Internet links:
Great Lakes Water Life Photo Gallery Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
What is the state of the Great Lakes Food Web? State of the Great Lakes 2005
Great Lakes Food Web Diagrams NOAA
Aligns to Great Lakes Literacy Principle 5 - The Great Lakes support a broad diversity of life and ecosystems.
Grades 5-Adult
Storm water runoff is the biggest threat to water quality in local rivers. Discover how water entering a storm sewer system could reach water used for swimming, boating, drinking and more. By creating a model community, students will develop an understanding of the ways in which land use impacts the water quality of local rivers, streams, and ultimately, the Great Lakes!
I Live in a Watershed Vocabulary List
Suggested Activities to Extend Learning
Pre-activities:
- Students look for sources of pollution in their neighborhood and make a list of what they observe. Students will have an opportunity to share their list the day of the watershed program.
- Students use the EPA Surf Your Watershed website to find out the name of their watershed.
Post-activities:
- Students look for a storm drain near their house and write about what they observe in or near it. If weather permits, have students compare and contrast what they observe in the storm drain before and after a precipitation event.
- Students research their local watershed organization to learn about events and water quality monitoring; provide extra credit if they participate in an event or volunteer.
Aligns to Great Lakes Literacy Principle 6 - The Great Lakes and Humans in their Watersheds are inextricably interconnected.
Groundwater Pollution
Grades 5-Adult
Using a simulator we’ll demonstrate how groundwater moves through a watershed from soil to aquifers to wetlands and rivers. Then, we’ll investigate how the permeability of different earth materials affects groundwater flow and aquifer formation. We’ll finish by observing the ways various pollutants move through groundwater to contaminate wells and learn what can be done to protect this important resource.
Aligns to Great Lakes Literacy Principle 6 - The Great Lakes and Humans in their Watersheds are inextricably interconnected.
How We Use Water
Grades 2-Adult
Learn about the Great Lakes as one of the most important freshwater resources on Earth! Join us on the water cycle journey from the Earth’s surface to atmosphere to underground, and back again. Demonstrations and hands-on activities reveal how precious the Earth’s fresh water is and what we can do to conserve it.
Aligns to Great Lakes Literacy Principle 1 - The Great Lakes, bodies of freshwater with many features, are connected to each other and to the world ocean.
Great Lakes Environmental Education Programs are sponsored by the Harris Family Philanthropic Fund.
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