Rivers2Lake, a dynamic education program that helps teachers integrate Lake Superior into curriculum, is accepting applications. To apply, visit the Rivers2Lake website at
www.rivers2lake.org to download a flyer and application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 1, 2020. Educators in any subject or grade level are eligible to participate.
Teachers participate in the Rivers2Lake Summer Institute from August 3rd through 7th 2020, where they learn about Lake Superior and the St. Louis River from scientists, resource management agencies, and tribal experts, along with place-based and outdoor learning methods. During the year, education staff at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Superior, WI and the Superior Rivers Watershed Association in Ashland, WI provide support and co-teaching in Rivers2Lake classrooms bi-monthly. Staff help teachers find and create the resources they need to meet and exceed educational standards using Lake Superior as an integrating context year-round.
Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and social distancing guidance, the timing and format of Rivers2Lake may be altered to ensure safety. The program will take place in an adapted form, if necessary, in order to be compliant with guidance from federal, state, and local authorities or if virtual learning continues in the fall.
With support from both NOAA and Wisconsin Sea Grant funding, the Rivers2Lake program offers benefits to teachers and schools. Funding covers bus transportation, on-water learning experiences, student admission to the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Lake Superior Estuarium, classroom resources and an honorarium of $500 for successful participation. A multi-year evaluation of the Rivers2Lake program demonstrated that the program significantly increased student academic engagement and teacher confidence in using place-based learning.
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 29 Reserves in the United States. The research and outreach program is operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension with leadership from NOAA and based on the UW-Superior Campus and. The Reserve encompasses over 16,000 acres along the St. Louis River freshwater estuary and operates the Lake Superior Estuarium exhibit hall = on Barkers Island in Superior.
