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The interactive Web site for Project S.T.E.A.R. allows students to go on a self-directed adventure playing the role of either a 19th century sailor or an underwater archaeologist.
Learn Lake Erie Underwater History with Interactive Project S.T.E.A.R.
Anne Danielski, coastal education and maritime specialist for Pennsylvania Sea Grant, which is housed at Penn State Behrend, encourages classroom teachers to involve their students in Project S.T.E.A.R., an educational program developed as part of the Pennsylvania Lake Erie Underwater Preserve project whose mission is to identify, interpret, and protect underwater cultural resources in the Great Lakes.
S.T.E.A.R. stands for Shipwreck Training Education Archaeology Research, and it is the educational component of the Underwater Preserve project. S.T.E.A.R. consists of curricula and hands-on learning opportunities designed specifically to promote math and science skills, environmental awareness and stewardship, and to motivate and inspire youth through real scientific exploration. The project also will conduct underwater experiments and environmental monitoring and research to help stabilize many fragile shipwrecks.
“We’ve been able to develop a wonderful curricular resource for teachers,” said Danielski. “Online at Sea Grant’s educational site there’s an interactive computer program that helps students learn about Lake Erie’s maritime history. Students can go on a self-directed adventure using the research and ship’s log to play the role of a 19th century sailor on a high seas adventure or an underwater archaeologist on Lake Erie.” Other lesson plans on the Web site cover diving, weather, lost ships, sailing skills, and shipwreck research.
The project is a cooperative effort of the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies, Mercyhurst College, Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Divers' World, Lakeshore Towing, and Texas A&M Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
“The Lake Erie Underwater preserve project, working through its collaborators, has established a U.S. Coast Guard-approved mooring system on six popular shipwreck sites near Erie,” said Danielski, “preserving the wrecks for future divers to explore. We’ve had help from teachers in developing Project S.T.E.A.R., and it’s turned out to be a popular program for school-aged children.” For more information about implementing Project S.T.E.A.R. in your classroom, contact Anne Danielski, education program specialist, at 814-898-6420, or by e-mail at add118@psu.edu.