Ride the Waves with General Motors (GM) who invites Copper Country youth in grades 4-12 to join scientists from Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) in the exploration of Lake Superior, Portage Waterway and Torch Lake. There are four different programs to choose from–each 4 hours in length–that will accommodate approximately 14 youth and chaperones.
Aquatic Food Web and Lab Investigation
Find out how scientists investigate water quality and collect samples to examine in the lab to find out “what makes a lake trout?” All ages are welcome. A four-hour session (two on the boat and two in lab) on June 23-27, June 30, July 1, 24, and Aug. 1, 4-7.
Mine Waste Remediation and Torch Lake Restoration
The history of the Copper Country is explored by land and water as students visit historic copper milling sites, reclaimed mine waste sites and the bottom of Torch Lake. It is ideal for middle school students. A four-hour session (two on Agassiz and two in Lake Linden) on July 1, Aug. 4-7.
Investigate the Lake with a Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)
Unless you’re a diver, few get to see what lies beneath the waves without a remotely operated vehicle. What surprises await you? This program is ideal for middle/high school students. They are two-to-three hour sessions on Agassiz on July 21, 23 and 30, departing from various locations. An optional shuttle is available from Michigan Tech.
Lake Superior’s Ring of Fire
Explore an area in Lake Superior where the shrimplike organism Diporeia is up to 20 times more abundant than in any other part of Lake Superior! How does this affect the Lake Superior food web? This program is ideal for high school students. A four-hour session on Agassiz on Aug. 18-22.
Register online at the Ride the Waves Registration Form. Please list all dates and times that work for you and we will reply and fit you into the earliest available slots.
Groups of five or more students will be given preference in scheduling, so get with your friends and form a group!
The Ride the Waves Program is funded by GM and the GLRC.
For more information, contact Joan Chadde (jchadde@mtu.edu) or Lloyd Wescoat (lwescoat@mtu.edu) or call 7-3341.