Cohort Day!
Our first high school cohort day was a big success! We had 31 students join us at the Maine Local Living School for an amazing day of connecting to the environment and the
natural world around us. Chris and his team of apprentices showed students how the homestead is working to solve natural resource challenges on the land. Students participated in hands on activities using natural resources for food, art, and shelter, and learned some tips for managing forests for sustainability.
College Visit!
Schenck students also had a pre-cohort day overnight at the University of Maine Farmington. Schenck MFC students are dual-enrolled in UMF's early college course in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and were given the opportunity to join a college class with professor Donelle Schwalm where they got to learn how to drag for and collect data on ticks which are then collected and tested for disease. Students got to take a kit back to school where they will be able to do this same thing at home and then send ticks into the lab for testing. Students also were able to have a college tour, two meals at the dining hall, and a movie while we were there!
Next Steps
All high school students are now working on selecting a challenge to develop a solution for and are preparing for their next visit with me where they will be sharing a challenge proposal. Many schools are in the midst of field trips and community partner visits already, and students will begin looking at assembling design teams and community partners that can help them see and understand their challenge if they are not already in the works.
I am getting ready to start visiting middle school students and am working on organizing a first cohort day for them in November at UMaine.
In the News
Midcoast cabinetmaker finds growing demand in Maine and beyond
The company is seeking a federal grant to help pay for better technology that would increase its production
Climate driven storms add runoff to Maine lakes, degrading
water quality
In the face of those challenges, nonprofits and homeowners are working harder than ever to limit shoreline erosion and storm runoff.
Constructed with mass timber, visitor center for Katahdin monument nears completion
The Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters hosted a “first look” Aug. 17-18 at the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, a visitors center for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Funding Opportunities
Maine Environmental Education Association Mini Grants
Who Can Apply? Maine Public, Pre-K-12, teachers and schools, preference will be given to schools with high need, determined using the most recent Maine DOE % Eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch data, and schools that have not received mini grant funding in the past.
Projects that demonstrate collaboration will also be prioritized. Some ideas for grant partners can be found here and here. Funding can be used for any project that advances outdoor learning in your classroom or school in the 2024-25 school year. Applications for the 2024-2025 grant cycle open on September 16th and close on Monday, October 14th.
(**This is a very basic application, I encourage you to have your kids submit one if their challenge/solution has to do with outdoor learning!)
GMRI Connected Learning Ecosystem Mini Grants Available
Belfast students successfully were awarded funding through this grant last year, up to $5,000 in funding with a rolling deadline. Check out the article here!
The Learning Ecosystems Northeast’s (LENE) project is offering members of Connected Learning Ecosystems (CLE) the opportunity to secure funds for projects that focus on climate and data literacy outcomes for learners achieved through connected learning experiences that incorporate NASA assets (which the project team will help you identify and find). Proposed projects should support learning in at least two different learning contexts, around a common topic, and with the same set of learners.
Engagement Opportunities
Forest Pests October Webinar
On October 2nd from 12:00-1:30 PM (ET), Northern Forest Center will be joined four entomologists from across the region to discuss what forest pests are, what they mean for our trees, and how they are impacting our landscape and forest economy. Register in advance!
Request NASA Artifacts
NASA’s Artifact Program invites K-12 schools, universities, and other eligible organizations in the U.S. to request authentic NASA artifacts to help bring STEM lessons to life. NASA considers an “artifact” to be an object representing historically significant or innovative achievements in spaceflight, aviation, technology, or science. Through NASA’s Artifact Module, educators can browse through the agency’s trove of objects and request an item that will spark inspiration or understanding. The current application window closes Oct. 7, so make your request now. Click here for details on available artifacts, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Questions may be directed to the Artifact Team at hq-nasa-awg@mail.nasa.gov.
For Students
Hunter Safety Courses
Taking a hunter safety course is the first step to joining a wonderful community of conservationists! Hunters have a longstanding role as conservationists, helping keep wildlife populations at healthy levels and giving biologists valuable harvest data. Hunters also provide funding for wildlife management through the purchase of their license and a manufacturer-paid tax on firearms and ammunition. Without hunters, it would not be possible for the department to closely monitor and protect game and non-game species in our state.Courses are available online an in person. Learn more here!
Business of Maine's Forest Products Sector Course
Learn about opportunities across the industry, get access to industry professionals, and gain the knowledge to jumpstart your career. Options to receive free college credit, contact hours, and microcredentials. This course is FREE to all and can be joined live or via a recording. Begins October 1st, learn more here!
For Teachers
Coastal Flooding Professional Development through GMRI
Join these day-long, in-person professional learning experiences focused on resources and lessons that support groups of students and community members in collecting data and making observations during high tides and storms. During this full-day workshop, we will:
Experience NGSS-aligned classroom resources that support learning about sea level rise, build data literacy, and engage youth in community conversations about coastal resilience.
Gain confidence and fieldwork skills in the coastal flooding data collection protocol and data contribution.
Connect with others in the area who are excited to support engagement with the Coastal Flooding Community Science Project.
Dates and Locations:
New Hampshire: October 11, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, Seacoast Science Center, Rye, NH
Blue Hill Peninsula: October 18th, 9 am – 3:30 pm, The Gatherings, Surry, ME
Brunswick/ Bath: November 15th, 9 am – 3:30 pm, Exact location TBD
Lunch and mileage reimbursement is provided for all participants. Sub-reimbursement is available upon request for classroom teachers participating in the workshop.
Wabanaki Studies Professional Development Workshops
Wabanaki studies has an infinite number of possibilities for learning in and out of the classroom. Brianne Lolar, a Panawahpskek citizen and Wabanaki Studies specialist for the DOE, will lead educators through current resources available like the MOOSE Modules, as well as resources in the works. We’ll get hands on with materials and support one another with this work.This fall MEEA will be offering 2 FREE Training Opportunities. An October Training co hosted with the Coastal Mountains Land Trust in Camden and a November training co hosted with Western Foothills RSU 10.Register for a workshop here
Comments