Inland Seas Education Association

Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) offers a wide variety of immersive programs both aboard our ships and on shore for individuals of all ages. Our flagship Schoolship Program provides a transformative half-day learning experience for K-12 students aboard the schooners Inland Seas or Alliance. During the spring and fall seasons, students gain a unique perspective on Great Lakes ecology by becoming scientists for the day. These young researchers collect and analyze authentic samples, including fish, plankton, and benthic organisms that live along the lake floor. These hands-on experiences are designed to foster a deep awareness of our freshwater resources and promote long-term environmental stewardship.

Beyond our work on the water, we offer several specialized shoreside programs that dive deeper into local environmental science. Students can participate in ROV Engineer and Explore, where they design, build, and pilot underwater remote-operated vehicles, or join the Watershed Watchers program to examine the complexities of our local ecosystem. Other focused sessions include Dissect the Watershed, which offers a close look at invasive species, and Navigate the Great Lakes, where students master the skills necessary to explore using maritime maps. Furthermore, the Study the Stream program allows participants to examine the impact of watershed runoff. We also pride ourselves on our flexibility and can develop custom programs to meet specific educational needs. Detailed information regarding these school-based opportunities is available at schoolship.org/school-programs.

Our impact extends through the warmer months with a summer sailing schedule that invites individuals, families, and groups on board for the same high-quality, hands-on science education. While the Great Lakes Discovery Sail remains a staple of our season, we also offer unique specialty experiences such as Astronomy, Fishes of Lake Michigan, and the Fall Color Sail. Programs like Steady the Ship provide even more ways for the community to connect with the water. To view the full schedule or register for a sail, please visit schoolship.org/public-and-family-programs.

When you are not on the water, we encourage you to visit the Captain Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station and Campus. This facility is open to the public and features a comprehensive museum and exhibit space designed to spark curiosity. Visitors can learn about the challenges of invasive species through interactive displays, observe native fish in our two large freshwater tanks, and even get hands-on by touching crayfish and mussels. The campus also features our impressive Inland Seas mural and a striking, zebra mussel-covered bicycle recovered from Boardman Lake, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the changing lake environment.