GMRI envisions a future where Maine is among the nation’s most science literate states. We have kept our promise to deliver world-class science programming to successive middle school classes at no cost to schools and families.

Our programs ignite students’ interest in science, challenge them to apply critical thinking skills, and create opportunities for them to see themselves in 21st century careers. We involve students in learning that is hands-on, technology-rich, and features authentic scientific tools and techniques.

Over the course of three years, LabVenture! touched the lives of more than 31,000 5th and 6th graders. In 2008, we served the equivalent of 86% of an entire grade level, welcoming students to our lab from 220 schools and all 16 Maine counties. Eighty percent of teachers surveyed felt that their students developed new investigative skills and over 70% of students felt they "learned to work like a scientist."

It was also a breakthrough year in the long anticipated scale-up of our 7th and 8th grade Vital Signs program. After several years of testing, we were excited to get out in the field with our first 13 teachers. Over 370 students took part in Vital Signs activities this fall.

During two Vital Signs Institutes, we coached our first group of teacher advisors on invasive species research and experiential learning approaches. They helped us refine our suggested activities and data collection and sharing tools. Together, we created a plan for how they would integrate Vital Signs into their classrooms. We distributed equipment (GPS receivers, crayfish traps, pH meters, thermometers, species guides, etc.) and supported them as they made their first forays outdoors with their students. We are thrilled to see our fledging website begin to populate with student generated invasive species and habitat observations. Another 37 teachers are scheduled to participate in Vital Signs trainings in 2009.

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...