Great Lakes Education & Outreach

Joan Schumaker Chadde, Education Program Coordinator
Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics
and Environmental Education
Michigan Technological University

Education

B.S., Natural Resources, University of Michigan
M.S., Water Resources, University of Wyoming
Secondary Teacher Certification, Michigan Technological University

Research and Teaching Interests

Chadde has worked in the field of natural resource and environmental education for the past 25 years. Using her creativity, commitment, and sheer determination, she has implemented a wide variety of activities, including the Torch Lake Superfund Site remediation monitoring program, family science nights, after-school science classes, forest field trips, U.P. stream monitoring network, frog deformity surveys, and most recently, ship-based education on Lake Superior. Chadde’s wprk has been supported by the Michigan Departments of Education, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources, the National Science Foundation, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, U.S. EPA and the U.S. Forest Service, and the Dunn, Waksman and Wege Foundations. She has facilitated the publication of hundreds of articles in Michigan newspapers and is a frequent presenter at professional conferences (e.g. MSTA, NSTA, NAAEE, IAGR, MDSTA). Of recent note, is Chadde’s selection by MDEQ as lead author for the Water Quality Curriculum Unit for Michigan middle school students. Chadde is adjunct faculty with Michigan Tech’s Department of Education where she teaches Communicating Science and offers numerous professional development workshops (one-day) and institutes (week-long) for teachers. Recent teacher-institute topics include: Ecology of the Great Lakes, Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Watershed Investigations, Stream Monitoring, and Community Land Use. Chadde has established a broad clientele, attracting 22,000 students, teachers, and community members to participate in the Western U.P. Center programs during the 2002-2003 school year.

Related Activities

Selected Publications

Chadde, J. et al. 2004. Looks Count for Communities, Science Scope, Jour. National Science Teachers Association

Chadde, J. et al. 2004. Looks Count: Community Land Use & Planning Middle School Curriculum. 2nd Edition.

Chadde, J. et al. 2004. Design Guideline to Enhance Community Appearance and Protect Natural Resources: A Guidebook for Students, Citizens and Decisionmakers.

Schmidt, P. and J. Chadde. 2003. Snowy Entomology, Science and Children, Jour. National Science Teachers Association.

Chadde, J. et al. 1995. Montana Stream Management Guide. Booklet

Chadde, J. et al. 1995. Riparian Grazing Successes. Booklet and display.

Chadde, J. 1994. Tips on Land And Water Management for Small Farms & Ranches in Montana. Booklet and display.

Chadde, J. 1991. Montana’s Riparian Areas. Brochure, newsletter, and video.