Family Science Sail

On our Family Science Sails, "students" of all ages become Great Lakes scientists for the day, as they help ISEA staff monitor the health of Lake Michigan. Aboard our 77' schooner Inland Seas, you will trawl for fish, collect plankton, sample the lake bottom, and analyze water chemistry. You will also become members of the schooner's crew as you hoist the anchor, raise the sails, and take a turn at the wheel. You will likely learn a few sea shanties also, so bring your singing voice. While the schooner is under sail, small groups move through a series of six learning stations. These stations feature hands-on activities built around the samples collected earlier in the trip. Participants examine fish, bottom organisms, sediment, plants and view plankton through our micro-video system. You learn the basic physics of sailing and each student takes a turn at the helm under the direction of the captain. At each learning station the ecology of the Great Lakes is stressed and related to the history and culture of the area. You will see and understand your place within the ecosystem. As the ship returns to the dock, participants have an opportunity to reflect about their experiences aboard the Schoolship and to consider their role in protecting the Great Lakes. Programs are 3 hours in duration (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, or 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm). Please arrive at the Inland Seas Education Center in Suttons Bay (or other designated location) one half hour before sailing time (8:30 am or 1:30 pm). $35/Person, $30/child under 18; limited to 25 participants 2013 Family Ecology Sail Schedule Sailing from Suttons Bay except as noted. June 19: 9:00am June 20: 9:00am & 2:00pm June 21: 2:00pm June 24: 2:00pm June 25: 9:00am & 2:00pm June 27: 2:00pm (Traverse City) July 1: 9:00am & 2:00pm July 2: 2:00pm July 3: 9:00am & 2:00pm July 5: 2:00pm July 10: 2:00pm (Escanaba) July 18: 9:00am & 2:00pm July 19: 9:00am & 2:00pm August 9: 9:00am & 2:00pm August 10: 2:00pm August 17: 2:00pm August 21: 9:00am & 2:00pm (Frankfort) August 22: 9:00am (Frankfort) August 26: 9:00am & 2:00pm August 27: 9:00am & 2:00pm August 28: 9:00am & 2:00pm August 29: 9:00am & 2:00pm August 30: 9:00am & 2:00pm Please call the ISEA office (231-271-3077) to check for availability and any schedule changes.