A key insight for us has been that going the extra mile to support teachers in fully integrating these experiences into their curriculum will have a transformative impact on how Maine students access science going forward. In addition to looking for way to expand upon the summer Teacher Institutes offered through LabVenture! and Vital Signs, we have secured three-years of funding from NOAA’s Bay Watershed Education and Training program to build a robust library of educational resources. We are working with fifteen classroom teachers, two environmental educators, and Maine Sea Grant's Education Coordinator to develop watershed-based curriculum units that link LabVenture! and Vital Signs in a cohesive 5th to 8th grade science continuum. VitalVenture activities will deepen and extend science learning, connect students with their local ecosystems and communities, explore statewide environmental issues, and foster stewardship of the Gulf of Maine watershed.

We are also looking for partners to extend the impact of the extraordinary learning environment that takes place in the Cohen Center for Interactive Learning at our lab. We are excited to explore potential opportunities to replicate our digital platform and learning approach at other institutions around the bioregion. We envision creating a peak learning experience for Maine high school students and/or bringing hands-on science learning to coastal communities in Massachusetts or New Brunswick.