Attention: Due to lack of access to a boat, the Floating Classroom is being offered as a land-based, lakeside program. We are currently exploring all options with the hope of someday bringing the Floating Classroom back out on the lake. Stay tuned for details. Thank you .

Explore Your Lake
From the impact of earthquakes and glaciers to the impact of storm water runoff and invasive species, the LGA’s Floating Classroom will take you on a journey from the formation of Lake George to the effects of the colonization of its shores.

On the Lake and on the Land
The Floating Classroom consists of two parts: A two-hour trip on the beautiful water of Lake George sampling water quality. The other half takes place at Up Yonda Farm in Bolton. Each of these components are 2 hours in length and can be done together or separately. Most school groups combine both of these components into a full day field trip. Other groups that have a limited time schedule may only do the boat portion of the trip. However, it is the combination of the two that make the most effective overall impact on the participants.

On The Lake
Participants will board a vessel, then they will head out onto the lake. Once anchored, participants will be able to assess the lake’s quality for themselves. This hands-on approach allows participants to conduct experiments and gain an understanding of the information and data that they have collected. Secchi disks, plankton nets, and other limnological equipment is used to test various aspects of water quality.

On the Land
Participants will venture to Up Yonda Farm where they will look at how various aspects of the land can affect water quality, from soil types to human influence. The pH of rainwater will be compared to pond and lake water. A variety of different hands-on activities are done to gain an understanding of how land use within the watershed affects water quality

History
LGA’s Floating Classroom began in 1991 and has been a tremendous success. Over 1000 students participate each season in the Floating Classroom and the program is gaining in popularity.

For further information, please contact the LGA.

For more information on Up Yonda Farm please visit: http://upyondafarm.com/

What is a secchi disk?

What is limnology?

Click on this photo for more information about secchi disks.