$2.5M Great Lakes center to link research, teaching

Students, educators and citizens of the State of Michigan and around the Great Lakes region soon will have unprecedented learning opportunities to explore Great Lakes science and its 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," says principal investigator Don Scavia, professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Scavia also is 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 on the Ann Arbor campus.

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

The National Science Foundation and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration-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.

In the coming months, Sea Grant educators will collaborate with partners to coordinate COSEE activities in Michigan and throughout the region. Some of the events 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," says COSEE education leader Steve Stewart of MSU.

A primary objective is to improve communication between researchers and 4th- through 10th-grade teachers and students and enhance teacher capabilities for delivering Great Lakes and ocean science education. During 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.

COSEE Great Lakes is a collaborative effort of Michigan Sea Grant and the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.

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