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Superior Students Set Sail For Hands-On Learning About St. Louis River, Lake Superior

St. Louis River Quest Teaches Children About Duluth-Superior Ecosystem

By
Danielle Kaeding/WPR

Late last week, about 350 sixth-graders from Superior Middle School made the St. Louis River their classroom for the day. The students took part in some hands-on learning about the lake as part of the 24th annual St. Louis River Quest.

For some students, it was their first time on a boat. Once aboard the Vista Star, students took part in 10-minute study sessions on topics like “fishy physics” and hypothermia.

Stephanie Francis, who teaches sixth-grade science at Superior Middle School, said it’s a good way to get children interested in the science behind the river and Lake Superior.

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“Every student has a story about the lake, but not everybody knows about hypothermia or invasive species,” she said.

Superior sixth-grader Isaac Haburt said one of the things that he learned on the field trip is that most invasive species in the Great Lakes are introduced by humans.

“Most people, if they realize they’re bringing invasive species into the Great Lakes, will spend more time cleaning off their boats,” said Haburt.


Danielle Kaeding/WPR

During a session called “Cool Hand Luke,” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger Jason Mozol challenged students to keep their arms in ice water for one minute to help them understand how cold the lake is throughout the year.

“Water between 32 and 40 degrees, which is Lake Superior, especially in the winter can have hypothermic effects and lead to unconsciousness in just 15 to 30 minutes,” said Mozol.

Superior sixth-grader Natalie Sandor said being on a boat beats learning in the classroom.

“When we actually get to go outside and see what they’re telling us about, it’s a lot more interesting,” said Sandor.

Organizers hope connecting children with the lake keeps them interested in its ecosystem and economy. The overall goal is to help students better understand the relationship between people, the river and the lake. Close to 1,500 students from northern Minnesota and Wisconsin took part in the week-long event.