The Wisconsin Water Library offers programming on water and Great Lakes science for anyone in Wisconsin, ages three and up. Library staff are available to visit your library or classroom and present a fun-filled, science-based program on the Great Lakes, the waters of Wisconsin and water science in general. Some of our favorite programs are below.
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN
All the Water in the World (for children ages 3 and above) Water is life! And one of our most precious resources. Come take a trip around the water cycle and learn about some cool properties of this wet resource. There will be lots of hands-on activities – prepare to get wet!
Dive deep in Great Lakes Shipwrecks (for children ages 5 and older) Come join the Wisconsin Water Library and dive deep into Lake Michigan to explore the real shipwreck The Silver Lake. We will transform into marine archeologists and learn about the fated voyage of the scow schooner that went down in the waters near Sheboygan!
Goodbye Garbage in our Great Lakes (for children ages 6 through 12) Garbage in our Great Lakes? Yuck! Plastics in our water? Yuck! Where does it come from and what can we do about it? A lot, actually. We’ll read some stories, explore some science and brainstorm an action plan.
Let’s Go Fishing for Some Great, Great Lakes Fish! (for children ages 3 and above) Many things make our Great Lakes very great! They contain 20% of the world’s fresh water and 35,000 islands but what swims underwater is what delights and excites us. We’ll explore the fish that live in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and what makes them special. A very special guest Stella Sturgeon is invited to join us!
It’s Cold Outside – Time to Take the Hypothermia Challenge! for ages 5 and above. Let’s explore the beauty and temperatures of winter. Ms. Anne will read some stories about animals that adapt to the cold of winter. And she will challenge you with the Hypothermia Challenge to see how humans must adapt to the cold temps too!
We have also done programs on Buoyancy/Ships, Turtles, Climate and Weather, the Water Cycle, and more!
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
Plastics in the Great Lakes Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is disposed or abandoned in the marine environment or the Great Lakes. It is a global problem – there is no part of the world left untouched by debris and its impacts. Marine debris is a threat to our environment, navigation safety, the economy, and human health. One type of marine debris of particular concern – plastics – is among the most common type and can be a serious threat to the biota of the water body. The good news is we can all reduce significantly our generation of plastic marine debris. Come hear an introduction to the science of plastics in our Great Lakes and share ways you can prevent it.
Our Great Lakes in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities Just 3% of the water on earth is freshwater and the Great Lakes have 20% of that supply. Two million people worldwide today face some sort of water-supply shortages and 5 million die from water-borne diseases. What are the specific stressors that face our Great Lakes today and what are we doing about it? Anne will introduce current the science and the issues facing our precious resource.
We would love to visit you – please send an email to askwater@aqua.wisc.edu to schedule a visit.
ONLINE BOOK CLUBS
Maadgindan! Start Reading!
For educators, librarians and anyone that loves to read with children… join us for Maadagindan! is our virtual book club where we explore books by Native American authors that write about Ojibwe Culture and the Great Lakes. Register to join us and learn more about our book club.
On Our Maritime Heritage
Coming in early 2024! We are launching a book club for educators in museums, libraries, schools, anywhere that is interested incorporating our unique maritime heritage. Contact us to join our email list.
UPCOMING
Please contact us to arrange a visit.
CONTACT US
Need help? Ask Water!
askwater@aqua.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3069
