The 2011 Science Institute was made possible by Great Lakes Aquarium, Minnesota DNR MinnAqua Program and the Fulbright Canada Eco Leadership Program.
Water quality in the St. Louis River Estuary
Land and water use around this large freshwater estuary has negatively impacted water quality and ecosystem health. Comparison of historic and current research results shows signs of improvement while raising questions about residual impacts.
Download the lesson plan, activity cards, estuary map and human influences map .
Decoding Diatoms
Scientists use microscopic plankton found in lake sediment to understand environmental changes over time.
Download the lesson plan and worksheet.
Climate Change in Lake Superior
Research indicates that water temperatures in Lake Superior have been increasing twice as fast as the air around it. Lake ice cover has been decreasing around the great lakes during the last century. Many human and natural systems are affected by these changes.
Download the lesson plan, worksheet and ice cover images.
Forest Management
There are many interest groups and environmental factors involved in creating a management plan.
Download the lesson plan and cards.
Lake Superior Steelhead
Steelhead have adapted to life in Lake Superior, and the DNR uses research to guide management practices.
Download the lesson plan and fishing regulations scavenger hunt .
Mercury deposition
Mercury deposition from the atmosphere comes largely from emissions cause by human activity. Once in the aquatic ecosystem it can change forms and move through the food chain.
Download the lesson plan.
Marine Debris
Freshwater ecosystems are at risk from plastic litter in the water.
Download the lesson plan, worksheet, water column cross section, plastic density table and Lake Superior feeder cards.
Lake Superior Geology
The history of Lake Superior contains dramatic chapters of fire, ice and inland seas.
Download the lesson plan.
