Purpose & Principles
What is the Center for Great Lakes Literacy?
The Center for Great Lakes Literacy (CGLL, pronounced “sea gull”) is a collaborative effort led by Sea Grant educators throughout the Great Lakes watershed. CGLL fosters informed and responsible decisions that advance basin-wide stewardship by providing hands-on experiences, educational resources, and networking opportunities promoting Great Lakes literacy among an engaged community of educators, scientists, and youth.
What is our purpose?
CGLL fosters a community of Great Lakes and freshwater stewards by engaging, inspiring and supporting educators, scientists, and youth.
What is Great Lakes literacy?
Great Lakes literacy is an understanding of the Great Lakes’ influences on you and your influence on the Great Lakes.
A Great Lakes literate person understands essential principles and fundamental concepts about the characteristics, functioning, and value of the Great Lakes; can communicate accurately about the Great Lakes’ influence on systems and people in and beyond their watershed; and is able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the Great Lakes and the resources of their watershed.
Great Lakes Literacy Principles
These principles mirror the seven principles in the Ocean Literacy Framework while also including an eighth principle unique to the Great Lakes.
-
Principle 1
The Great Lakes, bodies of fresh water with many features, are connected to each other and to the world ocean.
-
Principle 2
Natural forces formed the Great Lakes; the lakes continue to shape the features of their watershed.
-
Principle 3
The Great Lakes influence local and regional weather and climate.
-
Principle 4
Water makes Earth habitable; fresh water sustains life on land.
-
Principle 5
The Great Lakes support a broad diversity of life and ecosystems.
-
Principle 6
The Great Lakes and humans in their watersheds are inextricably interconnected.
-
Principle 7
Much remains to be learned about the Great Lakes.
-
Principle 8
The Great Lakes are socially, economically, and environmentally significant to the region, the nation and the planet.
Are you Great Lakes literate?
- Do you understand why the Great Lakes are important? For example, they provide us with drinking water.
- Do you make decisions that help protect the Great Lakes? For example, picking up litter is a way to stop trash from entering waterways.
- Can you tell others about the Great Lakes and encourage them to protect this freshwater treasure? For example, share stories about the Great Lakes and their watersheds with your family and friends.
Dive into our Great Lakes Lessons & Resources
Explore the CGLL Resource Library, offering a range of data driven lessons, blogs, case studies, and more to support learning and teaching about the Great Lakes and its resources. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or nature enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy!