E-CARE Program

Lake Ecology Program Training

LOCAL TEACHERS PICTURED TO THE RIGHT TAKE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT LAKES
 
Teachers from around the state came together on February 26, 2004 in St. Cloud to learn about algae, watersheds, pollution and monitoring. These topics and many more, including hands-on experiments, are part of a curriculum that has been developed for middle school students that focuses on Minnesota’s greatest natural resource and is called “Minnesota Lake Ecology”.

Teachers were provided with an overview of this curriculum which has been adapted for Minnesota and is based on the original curriculum created in New Hampshire. The afternoon was filled with teachers learning hands-on exercises to bring back to their classrooms.

At this time, it is uncertain how well the new curriculum will match up with the yet to be finalized graduation standards. However, many experiments and exercises provide for science exploration in the classroom that can be linked to local resources. In this way it is hope that students have a greater appreciation of these local resources and have a better understanding of how science applies to our local environment. There also are ‘extension’ activities that are aimed toward more technical or advanced studies.

The Minnesota Lakes Association obtained funding for the curriculum to be adapted specifically to Minnesota lakes. They also hosted the training session that was provided free of charge. Funding for the teachers in the local area was provided by the Sauk River Watershed District. Each participant received teacher and student workbooks and additional resource materials. The program also covered substitute teacher and travel costs.

The Sauk River Watershed District will follow-up with teachers that attended the training to provide any additional assistance and information on the status of local waters. It is hoped that this training will be offered annually. If you are interested in being included in future trainings, please contact Adam at the Sauk River Watershed District, 320-352-2231.

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