More than 200 Copper Country middle school students explored watershed concepts on Michigan Tech’s campus during the Wonders of Watershed program hosted by the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative.
The program connected textbook concepts to real-world applications in students’ hometowns, helping them understand environmental issues affecting their community.
“Connecting to issues in the community and community partners that are doing that work enhances learning opportunities because you’re connecting to something that’s close to home, you’re meeting people that are doing this work, so things resonate in a different way,” said Erika Vye, coordinator of the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative.
Students stopped at 11 stations to participate in various STEM-based activities. The Lake Superior Watershed Partnership works with close to 15 community organizations to develop and deliver educational programming throughout the year.
Vye noted that the partnership’s programming has inspired student-led stewardship projects, such as removing invasive species from parks and kayaking on the Keweenaw Waterway.
Hands-on experiences help students build skills and confidence while engaging with classroom topics in meaningful ways. Learn more about the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative here.
