With a $102,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded in 2003, University of Maine Cooperative Extension/ Sea Grant and School of Marine Sciences developed an environmental education program for middle and high school teachers and students, called The Silver Wake . Using marine phytoplankton as a theme, the program engages students in examining and protecting their local environment and demonstrates how local, hands-on science can help meet education standards, such as the Maine Learning Results .

Between 2003 and 2005, The Silver Wake provided training for middle school teachers and phytoplankton monitoring volunteers, curriculum development support, and assistance with phytoplankton and microscopy activities in participating classrooms. Workshops held at the University of Maine in 2003 and 2004 featured satellite imagery and zooplankton studies, and an introduction to the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System . Participants developed data interpretation skills and designed new curriculum based on the workshop topics and related field trips. In 2005, participating teachers incorporated more science and technology into their classrooms through the use of microscopes provided by Silver Wake , and by creating computer-based assignments for the Silver Wake curriculum. Program coordinators compiled a comprehensive Silver Wake Resource Notebook and presented several educational programs, including “The World through a Drop of Water,” to over 300 middle school students.

Several teachers in the program have remained active and received research microscopes to continue and expand their classroom studies through 2006 and beyond. Despite a lack of ongoing funding, The Silver Wake Program has continued through the sharing of resources, particularly the lesson plans and hands-on activities developed for various science concepts related to the program.

For more information, contact Esperanza Stancioff.