The “Lake Superior Speaks: Educator & Researcher Confluence” event took place on July 23-25, 2025 at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Finland, Minnesota. The event was initiated to meet the needs for up-to-date water science training for educators. It also served as a way for researchers to gain feedback on their lesson plans, resources, and outreach materials.

The three-day event connected people around water science education and built sense-of-place connections to Lake Superior through activities and groupwork. By providing trainings, experiences, water science resources and community connections; the “Lake Superior Speaks: Educator & Researcher Confluence” event actionably addressed four focus areas of the Minnesota Sea Grant strategic plan. These areas include: Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development, Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Resilient Communities and Economies.

Following the professional learning, participants commented: “Fun! Inquiry-based & inspiring & encouraging for wonder and discovery!” and “I want to incorporate some pieces from all the scientist’s research!”

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) was the primary fiscal sponsor and partnered with the Great Lakes Aquarium (GLA), Minnesota Association for Environmental Education (MAEE), and Wolf Ridge ELC to host the three-day event.