What does MLCI provide to my school?

		Lodging, food, and professional development at our annual Teacher's Training Workshop
		Customized curriculum and focus for in-class winter visit
		A in-class winter visit to their school to work with students
		A field trip to study lakes hands-on onboard the Melinda Ann, our floating classroom. Back to Top

What are the costs associated with becoming an MLCI partner school?

		We do not bill schools for our programs. We ask teachers to help us identify resources within their community to help us raise a small percentage of our cost associated with bringing our program to their lake. In the past, these community resources have included lake associations, individuals committed to the environment, and local businesses. Back to Top

How does the MLCI educational program align with educational standards?

MLCI's curriculum is aligned with educational standards on the international, national, and state level. We focus on:

		Maine Learning Results http://www.state.me.us/education/lres/homepage.htm
		North American Environmental Education Association's Environmental Literacy standards, endorsed by over 55 countries http://naaee.org/npeee/learner_guidelines.php
		American Association for the Advancement of Science's benchmarks http://www.project2061.org/tools/benchol/bolintro.htm
		National Technology Education Standards http://cnets.iste.org/students/s_stands.html

		MLCI provides partner teachers with evidence of how specific activities align with specific standards. We are thorough and explain the host of standards we address across the disciplines. Back to Top

What are the responsibilities of a teacher who joins MLCI's program?

In addition to helping us identify resources to help fund their students' participation in our program, teachers are expected to:

		Attend the annual Teacher's Training Workshop
		Schedule the in-class winter school visit and boat trip with staff of MLCI
		Administer one page pre- and post- program surveys to students to evaluate their knowledge of lakes as well as help MLCI evaluate its program
		Work with students to complete each year's activities and upload examples onto the Students' Portal Back to Top

What level of technological skill is required of the teacher and/or students?

		Teachers only need to have an interest in lakes to feel qualified to apply to become an MLCI partner school. We provide an orientation to the technology at our annual Teacher's Training Workshop and remain in contact with teachers throughout the year. Back to Top

What are the benefits to the students and how do you know that your program has had an impact?

		Students gain a hands-on, multidisciplinary understanding of the great importance of Maine's lakes. They make connections between their school, their lake, and their community.
		Our assessments of our program have proven that our active, place-based approach to learning is meaningful and motivating for students. We engage in evaluation for both planning and reviewing purposes. Back to Top

When does a teacher apply and how long does it take to learn if her/his class is accepted?

		Teachers can apply at any time through our online application. We review applications in the spring and notify those that are accepted by June. Please click here to apply for our award-winning Lake Science Education Program. Back to Top