Our flagship school programs centered around the health of the Great Lakes food web. Students work in small groups to collect water and biological samples using scientific equipment, record data, and share connections among sampled materials to report a snapshot of the Great Lakes food web health. They raise sails and steer the ship, working in concert with ISEA staff and volunteer crew.
There are three versions of our Schoolship program – each developed for different age ranges. All of our Schoolship programs are designed to help teachers meet Michigan’s K-12 Science Standards.
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Schoolship Options
Early Elementary
Grades K-3
Best for groups who want a fun and high-energy experience with the Great Lakes, with shorter stations. This program is best for learners between kindergarten and 3rd grade.
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Next Gen
Grades 4-8+
Developed for groups who want a fun and introductory experience with the Great Lakes. Students learn about the Great Lakes food web by collecting samples from the lake then rotating through learning stations. This program was developed for learners in 4th through 8th grade, but older students are welcome.
Diving Deeper
Grades 9-12, College
Designed for high school groups looking for an authentic research experience complete with developing and testing a hypothesis and presenting results to peers. This program is appropriate for learners in 9th grade and higher.
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Meet the Fleet
We have two Coast Guard certified schooners that host Schoolship programs – Inland Seas and Alliance. Our live calendar shows when each ship is operating.
Schooner Inland Seas
Departs From: Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station – 100 Dame St. Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Passenger Capacity: 32
Programs: Early Elementary, Next Gen, Diving Deeper
Schooner Alliance
Departs From: Discovery Pier – 13271 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
Passenger Capacity: 35
Programs: Early Elementary, Next Gen
How to Register
You can register for your Schoolship program online using our registration platform – Fareharbor.
- Go to our live calendar (below) that displays our real-time availability and select your date. Open program slots are visible on the calendar.
- Click on the program slot you’d like to register for. Please refer the fleet section for program location and capacity.
- Input information about your student group and select a specific program.
- Acknowledge the cancellation policy and pay a deposit to reserve your spot.
- You’re all set! You’ll receive a confirmation email and an ISEA staff member will be in touch within a few weeks of registering.
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Schoolship Preparation Materials
A Sea Shanty – to the tune of Haul Away Joe
Questions?
Please contact our School Partnership Coordinator, Julie Johnson at JJohnson@schoolship.org or (231) 271-3077 ext. 107.
