Virtual Programs Explore Watershed Science
Lake Champlain Sea Grant, in its ongoing efforts to share science-based knowledge about the Lake Champlain basin, has developed a series of free virtual learning programs.
Although designed for use by classroom teachers, remote learners, home school groups, families and anyone interested in scientific exploration of the Lake Champlain basin are welcome to enroll in any or all of these programs.
Information can be found at the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Virtual Learning website. If needing a disability-related accommodation to participate, please send an email to watershd [at] uvm.edu.
Offerings include:
Keeping the Balance – Virtual Fish Dissection. Through a guided virtual fish dissection, students will observe the sampling techniques fisheries scientists use in their research. A series of short "fish files" videos will introduce some of the fish species found in Lake Champlain.
Lake Champlain Live – Virtual Lake Exploration. This "floating classroom" experience provides a virtual tour of the R/V Melosira, the University of Vermont (UVM) research and education vessel, to learn about lake ecology, how scientists sample water quality, and local water quality challenges.
Stream Monitoring and Stewardship – Virtual Stream Exploration. This interactive exploration of a stream in the Lake Champlain watershed will show students how scientists conduct a stream assessment for biologic indicators and ecosystem health.
Watershed Explorer Challenge. This self-paced learning opportunity, also suitable for classroom learning, features 11 indoor and outdoor activities for young people to study watershed science while working toward their Watershed Explorer certificate. The program covers a wide range of topics from stream health and climate change, aquatic food webs and cyanobacteria to Lake Champlain watershed's culture and history.
Lake Champlain Sea Grant is hosted by UVM in partnership with the State University of New York Plattsburgh with additional support and collaboration by UVM Extension and other partner organizations.