Moosewatch for Educators
Moosewatch for Educators is a unique field experience in support of the ecological study of wolves and moose at Isle Royale National Park. Educators will receive the technical instruction needed to participate as a member of a backcountry research team. Although not as strenuous as “regular” Moosewatch Expeditions, participants will be operating each day in an off-trail wilderness setting involving travel by canoe and foot. You will learn field research methods, backcountry navigation, and backpacking/wilderness living skills. The workshop will integrate aspects of earth science, botany, general ecology, and the use of literature in teaching science. Participants will have opportunities to engage in reflective group discussions and discuss development of lesson/unit plans for use at their local schools.
2025 Moosewatch for Educators dates are July 9-15, 2025.
Goal and Objectives:
The goal of this workshop is to enhance problem-solving and project-based learning skills for teachers and other educators by providing standards-based instruction within a real-world research setting. This goal will be fulfilled by incorporating opportunities that include learning objectives and activities related to:
● Field research methods to generate measurable scientific data;
● Field navigation techniques using GPS and compass;
● Wilderness living and travel techniques in a remote, backcountry environment
● Experiential learning instructional strategies for elementary and secondary students;
● Next Generation Science Standards.
General Schedule of Activities:
Day 1: Meet at Fort Wilkins State Park in Copper Harbor, MI. Orientation, gear check, dinner.
Day 2: Travel to Isle Royale aboard the Isle Royale Queen IV. Set up first base camp. Explore the local area with an evening hike.
Days 3-6: Participate in field research. Travel by canoe to new camp locations. Visit Bangsund Cabin (home of the Moose/Wolf research), the historic Edison Fishery and Rock Harbor lighthouse.
Day 7: Return to Rock Harbor for lunch. Afternoon departure for the return to Copper Harbor.
Participant Expectations
Upon acceptance to the workshop participants will need to be able to meet the following requirements:
Reserve and pay for transportation to and from Isle Royale via the Isle Royale Queen IV.
Supply your own backpacking equipment including a sleeping bag (rated to 30 degrees), sturdy hiking boots that are well broken in, sturdy rain gear, meals for 4 days, backpack*, tent* (no larger than 2 person backpacking tent/~35 sq ft footprint), sleeping pad*.
*There are limited numbers of these items that can be borrowed for the trip. (Cooking stove, fuel, pots, and water filter will be provided by the program. A detailed gear/clothing list will be provided upon acceptance to the workshop.
Cover personal costs for dinner prior to leaving for Isle Royale and lunch at the Greenstone Grill on Isle Royale prior to our return to the mainland.
Cost for the program
This educator workshop is supported by the Wolf-Moose Foundation. The Foundation was created to ensure the continuation of this historic study. Beginning in 2025, there will no longer be a set fee to participate in the Moosewatch for Educators workshop. What we ask instead is that you consider making a donation to the Wolf-Moose Foundation. Your support will help provide funding for the research and for this workshop to continue into the future. Shortly after your application is approved, we will send you more detailed information about the workshop (e.g. detailed packing list, transportation) and information about how to make a suggested $450 tax-deductible donation.
Michigan teachers may earn up to 35 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) for participation in the workshop. Teachers from other states are encouraged to work with their home districts to determine if they are eligible to earn credit through their district/state. Detailed information will be provided upon acceptance to the workshop.
If you have any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Karen Bacula at kbacula@mtu.edu.
