2026 Lake Superior Shipboard Science Immersion

The Shipboard Science Immersion brings educators aboard the EPA R/V Lake Guardian to work alongside scientists for a week.

What: Three investigations will take place during the week focused on:

• Photochemistry and light, and how water color and incoming light affect water chemistry and where photosynthesis happens;
  
• Presence and abundance of two important food sources for fish–Diporeia (benthic amphipod) and Mysis (migratory zooplankton)–between the nearshore and offshore zones;
  
• Vertical distribution of zooplankton community over changing light levels, and community composition from nearshore to offshore, as well as the influence of zooplankton availability and community composition on foraging larval fish.

Who: Open to 5 -12 grade formal and nonformal educators from across the Great Lakes states of IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, and WI.

When: July 7-13, 2026

Where: The ship will be on Lake Superior, departing from and returning to Duluth, MN.

Why: This unique experience provides an opportunity for educators to participate in ongoing Great Lakes science and monitoring, collaborate with scientists, establish relationships with other educators in Great Lakes states, and bring home Great Lakes educational resources to use with their learners.

How: Submit your application by 2/28/26 to be considered. Learn more and apply here.

The application process is open from January 28 – February 28, 2026.

The program is made possible through a partnership with the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office and NOAA, with funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Hosts for the Lake Superior 2026 Shipboard Science Immersion are CGLL partners including Minnesota Sea Grant, Wisconsin Sea Grant and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant educators.

For questions about the Lake Superior Shipboard Science Immersion program, contact Heidi Ferris with Minnesota Sea Grant at hferris@umn.edu.