Port Washington Historical Society

Port Washington Historical Society About Us / Contact
 
 

Education & Programs

 
 
 

lake michigan learning lab
at the port exploreum

follow the drop - a watershed odyssey

The Lake Michigan Learning Lab allows 6th through 9th grade students to study Lake Michigan ecology the way a scientist would, by making predictions, gathering data, analyzing results, drawing conclusions and identifying relationships.
View Image Gallery Learning Lab

Guiding Questions

1) How do natural factors and human actions affect how water travels through our environment?

2) Where do the different types of water pollution come from and why are they a source of concern for our community?

3) What can we do to improve and preserve our freshwater so it is a resource for future generations?

Why the Watershed Odyssey?

We designed and developed the Watershed Odyssey program in conjunction with many of the top experts in water management in Wisconsin. We wanted to:
  • Facilitate student understanding of science concepts
  • Create a "macro” level awareness of watershed issues"
  • Connect with local organizations where they can learn more and take action to improve water quality
 

Resources

 
 

teacher lesson handbook

As part of the Learning Lab, there are 18 pre- and post-lessons provided in our Teacher Lesson Handbook.

These will be provided to instructors upon registering to visit the Port Exploreum.
Teacher Lesson Handbook
 
 

history curriculum

We designed the Wisconsin History module for fourth grade students in conjunction with classroom teachers and school district curriculum directors. This new curriculum satisfies four state social studies standards and five NGSS Next Generation Science Standards.

The content of this program includes: four pre-visit lessons with resources that will aid the teacher in implementing these lessons within the classroom setting; a class visit to the Exploreum which will include four interactive activities; and post-visit A Step Further - which includes three supplemental classroom lessons.
Teacher Guidek
 

Educator Information

 

OUR EDUCATION COORDINATORS

We are happy to introduce our two education coordinators: Deb Ryer-Jung and Neil Rismeyer, both recently retired teachers. Deb was a long-time middle school teacher, and Neil taught freshman science.

Initially, Deb will handle the school outreach and school class visit recruiting responsibilities, as well as develop a Wisconsin history curriculum for 4th graders.

Neil will insure that our current Lake Michigan Learning Lab watershed initiative meets Wisconsin science standards and will make changes to satisfy additional standards. He will also supervise class visits to the Port Exploreum. We invite all teachers to use Deb and Neil as a resource to enhance their visit.
Education Coordinators
 

things to know for your visit

Our education staff will assist you in planning for your visit to the Port Exploreum. If you have any specific requests or needs, please contact us so that we can try and accommodate you.

We want you and your class to have a great learning experience while you are visiting. For that reason, we ask that you have one teacher, support staff or chaperone for every 10 – 12 students. Please know that we will split larger classes into smaller groups, and therefore we would like adult supervision with each smaller group.
Directions
Get directions to the Port Exploreum
*Admissions
For class visits, the standard $2.00 fee will be waived.
Teachers and Support Staff: Free
Chaperones: Free
Parking and transportation
Please have your bus pull up in front of the Port Exploreum to load and unload students. There are parking lots around town where your bus can park while you are visiting.

For class visits actual busing costs will be reimbursed up $160 per visit. Please bring an invoice to be reimbursed.
Phone
If you will be more than 15 minutes later than your planned arrival time, please call the Port Exploreum at 262-284-2406.
 
About Us
Mailing Address:
  • Port Washington Historical Society
  • P.O. Box 491
  • Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: 262-284-2406