Education Program Page for Great Lakes Research and Education Center

	Great Lakes Research and Education Center Education Program Staff at the Great Lakes Research and Education Center (GLREC) work with education and interpretive staff at eleven parks in the Great Lakes network, as well as many partner organizations, to bring new research findings to the eyes of the public. By sharing information through the GLREC newsletter, staff training, public and educator workshops, and research conferences, the GLREC fosters a greater understanding of our natural and cultural resources leading to sound environmental stewardship. Upcoming Events
	The 4^th Annual Western Great Lakes Research Conference Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan March 30 – 31, 2005 The Western Great Lakes Research Conference provides a forum for information and idea sharing between researchers and managers of national parks and other public lands throughout the Western Great Lakes area. This conference provides an opportunity for participants to share current research, monitoring, and management issues affecting parks and protected areas. Conference Information: http://www.cnr.umn.edu/cesu/conferences/wglc/ Call for papers
	Project Learning Tree Educator Workshop May 6, 2005 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education This award winning, interdisciplinary environmental education program is designed for educators working with students pre-K through 12. It uses the forest as a "window" into natural environments, helping students gain an awareness and knowledge of the world around them as well as their place in it. Workshop participants will learn about current research, and will discover a wide assortment of activities they can use with students in their classrooms. Curriculum guides with more than 100 hands-on activities are provided upon completion of the workshop. Register by April 29 by calling (219)938-8221. A $5 refundable deposit will be charged.(Guides provided free of charge by the Lake County Solid Waste Management District) Sponsored by the Lake County Solid Waste Management District and the Great Lakes Research and Education Center.
	Fish School: Taking Stock of Risks and Benefits May 21, 2005 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Purdue University Calumet Register now for this exciting new initiative designed to help teams of Indiana and Illinois science, health, and nutrition teachers update their scientific knowledge and teaching techniques in the area of current environmental issues. This project focuses on the benefits of eating fish, while understanding the harmful contaminants in Lake Michigan fish and the social and biological impacts of this serious problem. Participating teachers and education leaders will use the information from the workshop to help their students develop materials for presentations at in-school and community-based health expos and other festivals. A full description of the project is available as a pdf (98k) Registration deadline is February 25. Great Lakes Teachers' Workshop June 18, 2005 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This exciting teacher workshop will utilize hands-on activities, research, and citizen science projects to enable learners of any age to develop an appreciation and understanding of for life in the Great Lakes ecosystem. The workshop will provide educators with activities and information that will empower their students with the desire, knowledge, and skills to make informed choices and take actions that will positively influence the Great Lakes. For more information or to register, phone (219)929-1707. Registration deadline: June 10. A $10 refundable deposit (Curriculum materials will be provided free of charge by the Friends of Indiana Dunes and the Great Lakes Research and Education Center.) WIP – Wetlands in Parks Educator Workshop Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center 9:00 a.m. June 20, 2005, through 5:00 p.m. June 22, 2005 Conducted in partnership with the Great Lakes Research and Education Center and the Society of Wetland Scientists, this teacher workshop will allow participants to explore a variety of wetlands; learn about wetland hydrology, soils, and plants; and discuss current research and wetland restoration projects with wetland scientists. Educators will participate in a wide assortment of activities for 9^th grade through college-aged students and will receive a copy of WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands, an educators guide. Register by June 6 at www.nps.gov/indu/learning/institute/dunes_institutes_registration_form.htm. For additional information, phone (219)395-9555.
	Click here for recent events. Links to Network Parks' Educational Activities: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore www.nps.gov/indu/StudentsTeachers/StudentsTeachers.htm Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore www.nps.gov/piro/home.htm St. Croix National Scenic Riverway www.nps.gov/sacn/index.html