The public is invited to venture onto Chassell Bay to learn how scientists assess the health of a lake during four free scientific excursions on the R/V Agassiz during the Chassell Strawberry Festival from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 7. “We encourage Copper Country residents and visitors to learn how scientists study the Great Lakes and what factors contribute to a healthy lake,” said Joan Chadde, education program coordinator.
K-12 teachers explore science during institute
Marty Auer was one of many who is offering his professional services all week for the Great Lakes Watershed Investigations Summer Teacher Institute held at Michigan Tech this week.
The Great Lakes Watershed Investigations Teacher Institute at Michigan Tech focused on water technology and studies. Teachers of all levels and backgrounds attended sessions to learn about wetlands, inland lakes, and maintaining a healthy watershed in the Great Lakes.
Institute leaders include Professors Alex Mayer and Marty Auer (CEE); Joan Chadde of the Center for Science, Math and Environmental Education; Bonnie Hay, program director of the Gratiot Lake Conservancy; and graduate student James Bass.
Middle and high school teachers from Michigan and Ohio are spending the week at Michigan Technological University, at a 5-day Great Lakes Teachers Institute. Twelve teachers from Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota attended a five-day Global Change Teacher Institute at Michigan Tech last week.
Michigan Technological University and the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education are sponsoring the teacher training.
The institute will run from June 18 to 22 at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo and Belle Isle Flynn Pavilion. The teachers will learn about forest soils, urban forestry, forest health (insects and diseases), enhancing wildlife habitats, forest management and measurements, and how to identify trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. They will work together to apply what they’ve learned to their classrooms.
Last week’s public presentations by the two final candidates for director, Center for Teaching and Learning, are available for online viewing at the links provided below. The two candidates are Debra Charlesworth, assistant to the dean, Graduate School; and Michael Meyer, senior lecturer, Physics.
This Friday, June 1, is the last application deadline for the 2012 Michigan Tech University Five-Day Summer Teacher Institutes in June, July and August 2012.
The Houghton-Portage Township Schools Board of Education recognized Brad Baltensperger for winning the Michigan Association of School Board (MASB) President’s Award of Recognition. The Board Member Awards Program, with basic certification as its cornerstone, was developed in 1990 with input from both veteran Michigan school board members and representatives from higher education and state administrator organizations. Level 7 is the President’s Award of Recognition.
