American lobster, "Homarus americanus," H Milne Edwards 1837, are an ecologically, economically, and culturally valuable marine resource for the coastal communities in the Gulf of Maine (GoM). The American lobster fishery is the most valuable commercial fishery in the United States, supporting thousands of jobs and generating hundreds of…

Describes an innovative, interdisciplinary science program at the Middle School of the Kennebunks, Kennebunk, Maine, which involves students gathering and analyzing data on the ecosystem of a nearby island and the surrounding ocean, as well as the Kennebunk River. Projects have combined scientific study with local history and town planning. (MDM)

Ecosystem contrasts between the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky coast of Maine are the focus of this instructional resource. The publication, issued four times a year, explores single topics through an interdisciplinary, multicultural approach. The activities presented in this issue encourage students to consider the role of temperature,…

This guide provides: (1) background information for teachers on whales; (2) 10 interdisciplinary activities; (3) teacher resources; (4) a bibliography; and (5) "pocket materials." Topic areas addressed in the first section include evolution and adaptation to an aquatic environment, diversity of whales, functional anatomy of feeding and…

This document reports on a survey that was conducted to determine the extent to which a random sample (N=2,112) of Maine public school teachers (K-12) included marine-related topics or activities in their teaching, as well as how informed they were about existing marine education curricula. A total of 588 questionnaires were returned. Findings…

Described is a study in which scientific research on the Gulf of Maine was used as a framework for establishing the extent of Maine students' knowledge about the nature and management of marine systems. Methodology, frameworks, data analysis, comparisons with other standardized tests, and results are presented. (CW)

Presented are 26 units (each title beginning with a letter of the alphabet) intended to serve as points of departure for teachers and students who desire to increase their awareness of the marine environment. Each unit includes ideas and activities drawn from a variety of content areas so that teachers of many different subjects at the junior high…