The Maine economy and way of life are intricately linked to our fresh- and saltwater resources. Aquatic Invaders in Maine (AIM): Education, Exploration, and Stewardship is a new program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which will start in June 2007. The AIM program will augment science education in middle schools by integrating aquatic invasive species and biodiversity into middle school curricula, and empowering students to collect valuable and useful scientific data.

Partners working with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant in the AIM program include: the Gulf of Maine Research Institute; University of Maine Climate Change Institute; and Maine Shore Stewards and/or local aquatic monitoring volunteers. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute's Vital Signs program will provide technology to engage and teach Maine students about our aquatic environments and report their discoveries directly to scientists.

The program includes a four-day institute for 12 teachers and 3 volunteers, which will be held in June 2007 at the University of Maine Darling Marine Center in Walpole, ME. Participants will 1) participate in classroom, laboratory and field activities to learn about aquatic invasive species and biodiversity, 2) develop and incorporate existing lesson plans that will enhance curricula aligned with the Maine Learning Results science and technology standards, 3) explore and utilize Vital Signs technology and resources using laptop computers, and 4) explore Internet resources and learn how to use them effectively in their classrooms. Teachers will receive a toolbox to effectively teach and learn about aquatic invasive species and their environmental impact. This includes invasive species identification keys, and Vital Signs equipment, including digital cameras and GPS receivers.

The institute will be followed by in-school visits or field activities by project staff and volunteers. Other delivery mechanisms include digital communication through electronic mail and the Internet. Students and community members will be encouraged to assist volunteer monitoring groups in collecting invasive species data, and participating schools will conduct a student-centered Environmental Stewardship Forum.

For more information, or to request an application for the program, contact Esperanza Stancioff.