K-12 Education

Introducing the next generation to long-term lake science.

The NTL Schoolyard LTER “Winter Limnology” program involves a long-term partnership with four schools in the Trout Lake Station area and welcomes about 100 students per year to station for a day of hands-on engagement with science. Students in 4th and 8th spend the day with scientists and staff at the Trout Lake Field Station learning about lake ecosystems. They gain experience using limnological sampling equipment while collecting data out on the lake and analyzing their data in the lab. Back in the lab, students also spend time identifying invertebrates they collected, understanding ice properties, exploring food webs and the forms and functions of different fish species, exploring habitat needs of different species, and learning their place in the ecosystem.
Students learning to use an Eckman dredge
Students learning to use a zooplankton net
Students learning to use a Secchi disk