By LINDA ADKINS

Longley Grade 6 Teacher



A recent field trip to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute provided experiences Longley Elementary School’s sixth-graders are likely to remember for a while.

Based on the Portland waterfront, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute is a nonprofit marine science center. Its scientists partner with fishermen, environmentalists and state and federal fishery managers to build knowledge of commercial fish species, habitats, fishing gear technology and human behaviors that effect the ecosystem. Its science education program for school-age students focuses on the Gulf of Maine bioregion. Students who visit the research institute engage in activities using the scientific method to learn about the challenges and opportunities found in Maine’s fresh and saltwater ecosystems.

In 2006, the institute launched its program, LabVenture, to provide universal science education programming for the fifth- and sixth-grade classes from every community in Maine. In the Cohen Center for Interactive Learning, Longley students spent half a day investigating “The Mystery of the X Fish.” Students conducted investigations at hands-on learning stations, working in small groups. They made observations, developed hypotheses, collected data and formed conclusions.

They used technology that included dissecting microscopes, various cameras and video recorders and a new underwater camera in a schooling tank. At the stations the students studied the X-fish contents to determine what it eats, went on expeditions to find the X fish, examined the X fish and compared it to other species, and observed and imitated the behavior of the X fish. Once all of the activities were completed, they were able to present their findings and work together to solve the science mystery.

It was a learning opportunity that students not only enjoyed, but also they are able to access the data they collected on computers in their classroom.