Email from a teacher:

"Subject: A Big Round Of Applause...
....to you and everyone who makes "Mystery of the X-Fish" available to so many youngsters! We had such a wonderful time. :-) Everyone here is buzzing about their experience. Please do let me know when it is time to sign up for next year. We don't want to miss it!"

In thank you letters to our sponsors, teachers write:

"This program was beneficial to our students in many ways. First, there are a good number of students who have never traveled very far beyond the borders of Lincoln, so the opportunity to go to Portland for this venture was special in itself. Second, we had talked about and used the scientific method in class on a smaller scale. So to be able to apply what they learned on this much grander scale was very validating for them. Third, they saw science as the exciting, fun and important study that it is. They saw firsthand that it is not merely a collection of facts, but instead an understanding of the physical world around them."

"Our students often are surprisingly sheltered from some Maine experiences. Many of my students have never even been to the beach! This field trip opened their eyes to the life of the X-Fish and the marine fishing industry."
       "This field trip also allowed the students to use the scientific process in a real-life application. Trying to discover the real name of the X-Fish by doing experiments was a true learning experience. They became true scientists!"
       "Lastly, this field trip that you sponsored allowed us teachers to cover a very complicated part of the state curriculum in a very enjoyable way. The students had a blast completing the various components, which involved group work and physical activities. In one day, we were able to cover in a fun way material that would have taken us weeks to do in the classroom. Both student and teacher enjoyed this!"

"This is my third year to visit and we are always very impressed with the technology involved and how engaged our students become in solving the mystery of the X fish. All types of students, no matter what their abilities or limitations, always love the hands on scientific involvement that GMRI provides. Being able to access the website after the trip with student websites is a way to keep the kids interested even after the visit."