The Education and Outreach Program at AWRI provides programs, tours, workshops, and special events for a variety of audiences. Visit the AWRI Facebook page for up-to-date information about events.

Classroom Opportunities

Hands-on science at the Lake Michigan Center in Muskegon is available with free programs. Many groups who use the W.G. Jackson also enjoy classroom sessions at AWRI. Location: R.B. Annis Educational Foundation Classroom at the Lake Michigan Center.

Educating about the Great Lakes

Check out the Great Lakes Education Resources list!

Project WET Training

As the host of Michigan Project WET, AWRI provides educator and facilitator training. Facilitators throughout the state offer local workshops. E-mail [email protected] and [email protected] for current information.

GVSU GLOBE Partnership

AWRI along with the GVSU Regional Math and Science Center is affiliated with the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. GLOBE is an international student environmental monitoring program that links students with scientists. As a GLOBE partner, we offer teacher training and opportunities for students to come to the Lake Michigan Center to practice GLOBE protocols.

Citizen scientists can collect data using the GLOBE Observer app.  

GLOBE Observer App

The GLOBE Observer app allows citizen scientist observers to use their mobile devices to collect scientific data. GLOBE Observer is

• A citizen science app allowing volunteers in GLOBE countries to take observations and contribute to the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) community
• A way to collect data to track changes in the environment in support of Earth system science research, and interpret NASA and other satellite data
• An open data set available to scientists, and supporting students of all ages in doing real scientific research through the GLOBE Program

Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS)

MEECS stands for Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support. The goal of MEECS is to provide students in grades 3 through 9 with an opportunity to learn more about their environment through lessons in Science and Social Studies.  The MEECS curriculum consists of seven different curriculum units; Air Quality, Climate Change, Ecosystems & Biodiversity, Energy Resources, Land Use, Land and Environment, and Water Quality. The units have been field tested by 120 teachers in nearly 200 Michigan classrooms.  The units can be used individually, or used together by a school system as the basis of a multi-year environmental education curriculum. 

To see some of the lessons in action, go to MEECS online at PBS Learning Media.

Groundswell

https://www.gvsu.edu/groundswell/

Groundswell supports K-12 educators who want to take their students' learning beyond the classroom. Groundswell students engage in community-based learning and implement stewardship projects to protect the Grand River and the Great Lakes. Groundswell provides free teacher training, project funding, connections with community partners, and individualized support based on each school’s needs and interests. Lesson plans and other resources have been developed for this program.

Groundswell is housed in the College of Education and Community Innovation at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Groundswell network includes more than 30 community organizations, including non-profits, government agencies, and local businesses.

Check out this video of Groundswell educators on board the W.G. Jackson!