ANN ARBOR—Students, educators and citizens in Michigan and around the Great Lakes region will soon have unprecedented learning opportunities to explore Great Lakes science and the connection to the world’s oceans, following approval of a $2.5 million regional Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE).

“Public understanding of Great Lakes and ocean sciences is essential to ensure the long term protection of these invaluable natural resources,” said principal investigator Don Scavia, professor in the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Scavia is also the director of Michigan Sea Grant, a cooperative program between U-M and Michigan State University that promotes sustainability of the Great Lakes and is headquartered at U-M.

With the same project, Great Lakes scientists will have opportunities to meet their education and public audiences in new, collaborative ways.

The National Science Foundation and NOAA-National Sea Grant recently announced funding support for COSEE Great Lakes, the 10th center in a nationwide network. Michigan Sea Grant will work collaboratively with other Sea Grant programs in the region to support a suite of educational opportunities. COSEE Great Lakes is expected to create dynamic linkages between Great Lakes and ocean research and education with the goal of enhancing scientific literacy and environmental stewardship.

In the coming months, Sea Grant educators will be collaborating with partners to coordinate COSEE activities in Michigan and throughout the region. Some of the activities planned include lake exploration workshops, tools and educational materials using the Great Lakes Observing System, Great Lakes curriculum enhancement and integration with ocean topics, and interactive learning events linking researchers with educators, students and the public.

“COSEE Great Lakes will serve as an excellent framework to link science and education for citizens of all ages,” said COSEE education leader Steve Stewart of Michigan State University.

A primary objective is to improve communication between researchers and 4-10th grade teachers and students and enhance teacher capabilities for delivering Great Lakes and ocean science education. Over the five-year program, more than 2,000 teachers throughout the region are expected to take part in COSEE Great Lakes activities along with more than 350 researchers, who will help educate new audiences.

COSEE Great Lakes is a collaborative effort of Michigan Sea Grant and the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network. For more information, visit: http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/education, or contact Steve Stewart, Michigan COSEE education leader at stew@msu.edu.

Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of Great Lakes resources. Funding is provided through the National Sea Grant College Program by NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Sea Grant Contacts: Elizabeth LaPorte

Don Scavia

Phone: (734) 763-1437