Twenty years after the Gulf of Maine Research Institute opened their labs in 2005, they are now on the map for world-class ocean research and cutting-edge science education providing catalytic leadership for communities at the frontiers of a rapidly changing ocean.
One aspect of the mission is to build Maine middle school students’ critical thinking skills and understanding of the nature of science through participation in authentic science experiences. Their educator support team is committed to:
- Producing curriculum resources and creating authentic science experiences for teachers to lead their classrooms.
- Hosting professional development workshops for educators to learn, grow and connect.
- Supporting Connected Learning Ecosystems, peer communities of in and out of school educators across the Northeast working together to support STEM teaching and learning
They have worked with educators around the state to develop place-based lessons as part of their NASA-funded Learning Ecosystems Northeast network with Maine State Libraries, Maine 4H, Wabanaki Youth in Sciences, and Gateway Community Services. They also publish an annual science journal featuring research articles written by young people throughout the region called Findings From the Field.
Some of their Maine agriculture-focused curriculum resources include:
Potato Farming in Maine’s Changing Climate
Potatoes are an important part of Maine’s economy and as the climate changes, so do growing conditions throughout the state. Increased drought, pests, storm intensity and changes in temperatures have created new challenges for farmers in Maine, but also new opportunities. In this module, students investigate some of the challenges facing Maine farmers, with a particular look at potato farmers and explore some of the changes and solutions being tried as farmers and scientists work together to build a more climate resilient future for our community.
Maple Sugaring in a Warming Climate
As an agricultural practice with Indigenous origins, maple sugaring has been a tradition throughout the Northeast for thousands of years. How is climate change impacting maple syrup production and what can we do to plan for a climate resilient future in the region?
Bees, Blueberries and Climate Change
How might changing spring temperatures be affecting Maine’s wild blueberries and the pollinators that they rely on? Wild blueberries have great cultural, economical, and ecological significance in Maine, which produces more wild blueberries than any other region in the world. In order to generate fruit, blueberry plants are reliant on pollination by both native bees and non-native honeybees, and bees’ ability to pollinate is linked closely to the weather. In this module, students will explore the connections between blueberries, bees, and changes in spring temperatures driven by climate change.
Want to know more?!
- Contact Robin Lea, Curriculum and Professional Learning Specialist at The Gulf of Maine Research Institute at rlea@gmri.org with questions
- Check out their educator resources at gmri.org
- Check here for Upcoming Events
- Follow them on Facebook
