Educational Water Sciences
What happens when you mix 1,247 curious students, 98.3% pure Great Lakes water, and a team that won't stop asking "why"? You get our education programs — where science isn't just learned, it's lived. From Toronto classrooms to remote shorelines, we're turning questions into action (and maybe a few wet boots along the way).
Learning That Flows
Our programs don't just teach about water — they let students become part of the solution. Whether through hands-on fieldwork or interactive virtual labs, we're building the next generation of water stewards.
Explore Student Programs
Curriculum Resources
Ready-to-use lesson plans that align with Ontario curriculum standards — because saving the Great Lakes shouldn't require extra prep time. Our resources cover everything from microplastics to invasive species (and yes, there's a module on why zebra mussels are the ultimate uninvited guests).
- 127 lesson plans for grades 4-12
- 93% teacher satisfaction rate
- Available in English and French
- Updated quarterly with new research
Field Guides
Our field guides turn every shoreline into a classroom. Waterproof, tear-resistant, and packed with identification keys — because nothing kills the learning buzz like a soggy worksheet. (Pro tip: Laminate before handing to kindergarteners.)
- 37 species identification guides
- Waterproof and tear-resistant
- QR codes linking to video tutorials
- Used by 427 schools across Ontario
Virtual Labs
Can't make it to the lake? No problem. Our virtual labs bring the Great Lakes to your screen — complete with interactive experiments, real-time data, and the occasional virtual fish that swims across your screen. (We call him Steve.)
- 8 interactive simulations
- Used by 1,247 students monthly
- Compatible with most LMS platforms
- Includes teacher dashboard
Teacher Training
We don't just teach students — we empower teachers. Our professional development programs turn educators into water science experts (and yes, we provide the coffee). From weekend workshops to year-long fellowships, we're building a network of teachers who can turn any water sample into a teachable moment.
Our summer institute brings teachers to our Toronto lab for a week of hands-on learning. Participants leave with:
- Certification in water quality testing
- Classroom equipment kits
- Access to our resource library
- Ongoing support from our education team
(Fun fact: 89% of participants report feeling more confident teaching water science after our program — and 100% report drinking more water during the week.)
Student Programs
From after-school clubs to summer camps, our student programs turn curiosity into action. Whether it's monitoring local streams or presenting research at science fairs, we give students the tools to make a real difference. (And yes, there's usually a pizza party involved.)
Our flagship program, "Lake Guardians," pairs students with scientists for year-long research projects. Participants have:
- Collected 12,000+ water samples
- Presented at 47 science fairs
- Discovered 3 previously unknown species
- Won 12 national awards
(One student's project on microplastics even led to a city council policy change — not bad for a 15-year-old.)
Join Lake GuardiansSummer Camps
Week-long adventures where kids become water scientists. From kayaking to lab work, we pack each day with hands-on learning. (Parents: expect muddy shoes and happy kids.)
- Ages 8-14
- 5 locations across Ontario
- Scholarships available
- Extended care options
Science Fairs
We help students turn their water questions into award-winning projects. From hypothesis to presentation, we provide mentorship every step of the way. (Spoiler: Our students win a lot.)
- Annual regional competition
- National representation
- Cash prizes available
- Networking with scientists
Internships
High school and university students gain real-world experience in our labs and field sites. Many of our interns go on to careers in environmental science. (And yes, we write great recommendation letters.)
- Paid positions available
- Flexible scheduling
- Mentorship from scientists
- College credit options
Community Outreach
Science shouldn't stay in the lab — it belongs in the community. From shoreline cleanups to public lectures, we bring water education to everyone. Because protecting the Great Lakes is a team sport.
Public Lectures
Monthly talks featuring scientists, policymakers, and community leaders. Free and open to the public — because water knowledge should be accessible to all. (We even provide the snacks.)
- Held at our Toronto lab
- Streamed online
- Q&A sessions included
- Family-friendly options
Shoreline Cleanups
Hands-on conservation where volunteers remove trash from local shorelines. We provide gloves, bags, and data sheets — you provide the enthusiasm. (And maybe some sunscreen.)
- Monthly events
- Family-friendly
- Data collected for research
- Snacks provided
Last year, our volunteers removed 2.3 tons of trash from Toronto shorelines. (That's the weight of about 15 grand pianos — or one very sad whale.)
Citizen Science
Our citizen science programs let community members contribute to real research. From water testing to species monitoring, your observations help protect the Great Lakes. (No PhD required.)
- Water quality monitoring
- Invasive species tracking
- Mobile app available
- Training provided
Our "Lake Watch" program has over 1,500 active volunteers who've contributed 12,000+ data points. (That's a lot of test tubes.)
Join Lake Watch
Ready to Make Waves?
Whether you're a teacher, student, or community member, there's a place for you in our education programs. Let's turn curiosity into action — one water sample at a time.