A federal agency has awarded the University of Toledo’s Lake Erie Center nearly $80,000 to transform the Sandpiper cruise vessel into a floating laboratory to help area teachers provide more hands-on learning experiences along the Maumee River.
Under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant, the Sandpiper -- which has been operated for years by a private company for public tours -- will be equipped with sensors, sampling gear, and water-testing equipment. Data available from NOAA buoys in nearby Lake Erie and U.S. Geological Survey river gauge stations will allow students to work with live river and lake data throughout the year.
The educational project is called Maumee River FLOWS, an acronym for Floating Laboratory on Watershed Science.
Funding is available through October, 2022. It will cover costs to charter the passenger vessel for an estimated 30 science cruises aboard the Sandpiper during the project’s 16 months.
Tom Bridgeman, UT Lake Erie Center’s director, said the goal is “to foster in teachers and students an awareness and sense of connection with and responsibility for the waters of the Great Lakes.”
“Hundreds of school-age children cross the Maumee River every day, yet have never had the opportunity to venture onto the river or touch the water,” Mr. Bridgeman said. “Many have never even seen Lake Erie, a mere five miles downstream. We want to get students out on the river, touching the water, and becoming aware of its influence on their Great Lake.”
The project will be focused on schools in and near the downtown area. Those working with UT on it include Toledo Public Schools, Toledo School for the Arts, Maritime Academy of Toledo, Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District, Partners for Clean Streams, and the Sandpiper.
Trips will be conducted in compliance with coronavirus rules.
“The passenger deck of the Sandpiper is an ideal platform for a socially distanced learning experience,” Mr. Bridgeman said. “Designed to carry 100 passengers, the Sandpiper can carry up to 50 passengers with social distancing and an ideal class size of up to 30 students.”
First Published January 22, 2021, 3:15 p.m.
