North Park Montessori’s Taryn Eva’s classroom recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Inland Seas Educational Association’s program near Traverse City, MI. This unique experience offered students a chance to dive into hands-on learning about the Great Lakes, transforming them into budding scientists for the day.
Hands-On Learning with Inland Seas Educational Association
Inland Seas Educational Association provides a variety of educational programs designed to immerse students in the wonders of the Great Lakes. During the three-hour Scholarship programs, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from North Park Montessori had the opportunity to assist professional staff and seasoned volunteer instructors in collecting and analyzing samples from the Great Lakes. These young scientists also participated in ROV Engineer and Explore programs, which extended their learning onshore, and Watershed Exploration programs that connected them with the Great Lakes through watershed exploration. These programs not only exposed students to potential careers related to the Great Lakes but also provided them with valuable experience using technology and skills relevant to the field.
Ms. Eva’s Dedication and Efforts
Ms. Eva shared her excitement about the trip, stating, “Some of my scholars have never visited a Great Lake, nor have they had the opportunity to travel on a sailboat! This is an amazing opportunity for them to visit the lake and complete scientific investigations on the Greater Lake Michigan watershed. I have worked hard to provide them the opportunity, giving up more than a week of my summer for training to gain free accommodations, but also gathering grant funds, donations, and volunteers, to make this trip possible!”
Measuring Success
The success of this trip was measured in several impactful ways. Firstly, students successfully studied the Greater Michigan Watershed, gaining hands-on experience observing the native inhabitants of the ecosystem. They were able to compare their findings to the local Grand Rapids ecosystem, enriching their understanding of environmental science. Secondly, their work with scientific investigations supported their classroom learning, particularly in applying the scientific method. This experience will aid them in identifying additional areas of study and conducting further research to present at the school’s science fair. Lastly, the trip fostered a sense of community among the students, providing a wonderful opportunity for them to bond and grow together.
Student Reflections
One student enthusiastically remarked, “I really loved the opportunity to learn about science firsthand! I loved seeing the fish up close and being on the water. I never thought I would have the opportunity to sail! Thank you for giving us the chance!” – KJ
This adventure not only broadened the students’ scientific knowledge but also ignited a passion for learning and exploration that will last a lifetime. Kudos to Ms. Eva for offering a scholarship opportunity funded by the Teacher Innovation fund along with everyone involved in making this incredible experience possible!
