Great Lakes literacy is an understanding of the Great Lakes’ influences on you and your influence on the Great Lakes.

Principle 1

Lessons and Activities

Fresh and Salt Activities

Going with the Flow
(Size: 1 MB) Grade 5 Density: Sea Water Mixing and Sinking
(Size: 250 KB) Grade 6-9

Greatest of the Great Lakes

Your Great Lake!
(Size: 201 KB) Grade 4-6 More Than Just a Lake!
(Size: 257 KB) Grade 4-6 Making Great (Lakes) Connections
(Size: 286 KB) Grade 4-6 Water Quantity
(Size: 246 KB) Grade 4-6 How Well Do You Know the Great Lakes?
(Size: 224 KB) Grade 7-8 How Does Stratification Affect Water Quality?
(Size: 306 KB) Grade 7-8, 9-10

Other Related Lessons

How does water move in the Great Lakes basin?
(Size: 90 KB) How long does it take water to flow through the Great Lakes?
(Size: 91 KB)

Other Resources

Online Presentations

Great Lakes Overview

* Online presentations are available as part of the College of Exploration, a web-based, global learning network. You will be asked to register with the community which is a free, safe and simple process.

Related Websites

Great Lakes Statistical Data
Comparison of Physical Attributes of the Lakes

Data Sets

Great Lakes Bathymetry and Shoreline Data
Great Lakes Water Level Data

Miscellaneous Resources

Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface
Mysteries of the Great Lakes (IMAX Film)
Great Lakes Basin Map (black and white)
(Size: 70 KB) Great Lakes Basin Map
Set of Great Lakes Maps (for purchase)
Great Lakes Profile Image
Great Lakes Coastlines Compared with Atlantic Coastline Fact Sheet
Water Levels of the Great Lakes Fact Sheet
Waves and Seiches Fact Sheet
  1. Bodies of fresh water
  2. Natural forces formed the Great Lakes
  3. Influence on weather and climate
  4. Habitable
  5. Diversity of life and ecosystems
  6. Interconnectedness
  7. Much to be learned
  8. Significance

OTHER RESOURCES