HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Schenck has finished their "Understanding the Challenge" Slidedeck on Padlet with a video recording of them presenting all about their challenge and their proposed solution so far. Check it out here and post a comment!
Telstar is prepping for their final presentations in early January where they will be presenting locally to community partners, and to the 7th grade students who are currently exploring what it means to be a community champion. This year students are focusing their project on exploring inland flooding awareness and preparedness. Check out this poster one of the students in class made!
Belfast is wrapping up their project this year as well and will be working on their own final presentation in the coming weeks. They spent some time in early December learning ArcGIS and about how information can be shared easily on a map and wrapping up their invasive species removal, picnic table and flower box building, and sowing native flower seeds.
TCTC has been busy taking advantage of Maine's natural resources including snow by going snowshoeing and making wreaths using fir boughs for the holidays!
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
This week Bass Harbor students dove in deep into learning about sea level rise. We are beginning to exp exploring I will be heading to Greenville and Bass Harbor to kickoff our first step of the project, understanding the challenge with middle school students. Bass Harbor will be working on sea level rise for their challenge, and Greenville will be working on.
In the News
Digital tool reveals northern Maine's rare old forest
After generations of logging just a few stands of valuable old growth trees remain across Maine's vast north woods. Now, for the first time, airborne imaging data allows researchers to find those old trees with incredible precision.
Amid concern over microplastics, a Maine company creates a kelp-based laundry pod alternative
In recent years, products like Tide pods and detergent sheets have taken off. Over 25% of Americans have switched to them since they came on the market more than a decade ago. For some, it was because of the 'green' label.
Large numbers of winter ticks expected to impact moose populations this winter
Although last year saw low numbers of winter ticks on Maine's moose population, the state's moose biologist is expecting much higher numbers for the coming winter season.->>> Full article
For Students
Youth Climate Survey (ages 14-30)
The Listen Project survey is a participatory research study designed by a more than a dozen Maine youth climate organizers to better understand the needs of the youth climate movement in Maine. Take the survey to enter to receive a Visa gift card! Take the survey here!
For Teachers
Science Standards in Maine Environmental Education
Join MMSA for a free 3-part virtual training series on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) specifically designed for out-of-school time environmental educators (including educators from land trusts, summer camps, nature centers, libraries, afterschool programs, etc.). In this series, we will:
Workshop 1: Improve clarity in understanding the fundamental instructional elements of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by clearly distinguishing between the three dimensions, and demonstrating how they work together to foster a more integrated understanding of science.
Workshop 2: Build new networks with education colleagues from both in-school and out-of-school settings, and share strategies for collaborating effectively to develop high-quality materials that support student growth and enhance learning outcomes.
Workshop 3: Apply new understandings to revise and integrate updated resources and best practices in teaching, ensuring they reflect the latest research and strategies for enhancing student learning and engagement.
At the end of this series, participating educators will gain:
Strong understanding of what the NGSS are, why they are important for out-of-school educators to know, and how to apply or identify them in their lessons and activities.
Strategies for partnering with teachers to help support their learning goals in their classrooms.
Guidance and support for revising their lesson plans to be aligned with the best practices and language of the NGSS.
The session dates are January 30, February 13, and February 27 from 3:00-5:00pm. We encourage participants to attend all three sessions. Follow-up office hours with MMSA facilitators will be available after the series to support individual goals and workshopping of curricula. This series is co-hosted by the Onion Foundation, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, and the Maine Environmental Education Association.
Space is limited. Please register by clicking the link below by Friday January 24. For any questions, please reach out to Alex Brasili at abrasili@mmsa.org.
Project Wild - Below Zero
Project WILD is an interdisciplinary environmental education program for educators of kindergarten through 12th grade students that focuses on wildlife and natural resources. The program's goal is to help students develop knowledge, awareness, skills, and commitment to responsible actions and constructive behavior towards wildlife and the environment.Have you ever wondered where birds, insects, and other animals go when the snow flies? What keeps wood frogs from croaking in the winter? Or how do certain mammals move through the snow with such ease? Most Mainers live with snow and ice for at least three to four months of the year, yet many of us know surprisingly little about life in frozen environments. Join us for an interactive workshop as we explore and highlight a variety of environmental and outdoor education activities and curriculum-based lesson plans that will help you connect students with the natural world in all seasons!Program Fee: $80/personLocation: Center for Wildlife. 375 Mountain Rd. Cape Neddick MEAt the conclusion of this training, you will go home with your own print copy of Project WILD!February 17, 2025 | 10AM-4PM Sign Up Here!February 24, 2025 | 10AM-4PM Sign Up Here!
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