Squam Lakes Connected Learning Ecosystem
CONNECTED LEARNING ECOSYSTEM
“I liked learning how I can help the earth.”
That simple reflection from a middle school student at the second annual Middle School Sustainability and Action Summit captures the heart of the Squam Lakes Connected Learning Ecosystem (CLE). Through thoughtful, collaborative environmental education, Squam Lakes CLE connects students with real-world science and empowers them to take meaningful action in their own communities.
Bringing together more than sixty educators and partners, Squam Lakes CLE breathes new life into science learning for youth in the Lakes Region and beyond. By intentionally linking classroom lessons with out-of-school experiences, the CLE ensures that students encounter key environmental science concepts in multiple, reinforcing ways where they live, learn, and play.
What Is the Squam Lakes Connected Learning Ecosystem?
Squam Lakes CLE is a network of classroom teachers, informal educators, librarians, 4‑H leaders, subject-matter experts, and community members who share a passion for impactful environmental education. Members meet regularly to learn about available resources, exchange ideas, and co-create connected learning projects that are grounded in local places and issues.
Through this collaborative approach, students participate in hands-on, project-based learning that goes far beyond a single field trip or lesson. They investigate authentic problems, work with real data, and design actions that benefit their schools, neighborhoods, and ecosystems. The result is deeper understanding, stronger skills, and a sense of agency that can last a lifetime.
Some CLE projects supported by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center:
Impact and Reach of Squam Lakes CLE
Part of a Larger Learning Ecosystem
The Squam Lakes CLE is part of the Learning Ecosystems Northeast network, coordinated by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and funded through NASA Science Activation. This broader connection amplifies local work, links educators across the region, and helps sustain innovative, community-based science learning.
Projects Supported in 2025
In 2025 alone, Squam Lakes CLE supported a wide range of projects and directly reached 692 elementary, middle, and high school students, including:
2nd Annual Middle School Sustainability and Action Summit at SLNSC
2nd Annual Middle School Earth Camp at the Science Center
Wildlife Data Literacy Project with Newfound Lake Region Association, Newfound Middle School, and Minot-Sleeper Library
Food Waste Diversion, Elementary Earth Club and Middle School Environmental Club at Holderness Central School
Year-round Project-Based Environmental Learning: Bethlehem Elementary School
Bats in Local Ecosystems: A collaboration between Thornton Central School, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and Dartmouth College
Teen Leaders in 4‑H STEM building assistive devices for children with disabilities using 3‑D printers: A collaboration between Carroll County 4‑H, Chocorua Public Library, Moultonborough Public Library, and UNH
Weather Stations Project: How space and changes on our planet affect what we call home: A collaboration between Sant Bani School, Mount Washington Observatory, and Plymouth State University
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project: A collaboration between the Science Center, Squam Lakes Conservation Society, Holderness Free Library, and Holderness Recreation Department’s Summer Escapeg
participate
Get Involved with Squam Lakes CLE
Educators, community partners, and supporters are essential to the ongoing success of the Squam Lakes Connected Learning Ecosystem. Classroom teachers, informal educators, librarians, and youth leaders can join the network to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and give their students access to rich, local environmental learning experiences.
Families, businesses, and funders can also play a role by supporting CLE projects, sponsoring student participation, or helping provide materials and resources.
To learn about upcoming meetings, partnership opportunities, or ways to help expand this work to even more New Hampshire students, reach out to Heidi Emmons, Connected Learning Coordinator, at heidi.emmons@nhnature.org or 603-968-7194 x119