What to expect

Maine's 5th and 6th grade students will be immersed in a world of marine science. They will be welcomed with a dynamic presentation about the Gulf of Maine and will learn how they are connected to this biologically rich area through the larger watershed. As students take on the role of marine scientists, they will visit four interactive LabVenture! stations to explore and discover why lobsters are important to the Gulf of Maine. A "scientific conference" will summarize what they have learned by displaying student-generated data and tying this into current research. All students will leave this experience with a personal website that displays pictures and videos they created during their visit. This allows students and educators to extend the experience past GMRI and into students' homes and classrooms.

What students will learn

Maine's 5th and 6th grade students will be engaged in the scientific process as they ask questions, make observations, develop hypotheses, collect data, and draw conclusions. While exploring the importance of lobsters, students will view larval lobsters under microscopes to study life cycle and food web, handle live lobsters to gather evidence about adaptation, experience marine science research methods at GMRI's benthic tank, and consider the role of science in larger community decisions. Each of the activities at the LabVenture! stations is aligned with the Maine Learning Results and National Science Education Standards.

Directions and Parking

Directions to Gulf of Maine Research Institute:
(207) 772-2321

Click here for a bigger map

1. I-95 North to exit 44 - 295 North.
2. I-295N to exit 4 - Downtown Waterfront, Rt. 1.
3. Cross the Rt. 1 Bridge and take a right at the light at Veterans Circle.
4. Continue down Rt. 1/Commercial Street, pass under Casco Bay Bridge, and past the International Ferry Terminal.
5. GMRI is located at 350 Commercial Street, just after Becky's Diner and Aqua Diving. Parking for buses and cars is provided to the right of the building.

1. South on I-95 (Maine Turnpike) to I-295.
2. In the Falmouth area, stay south onto I-295.
3. Continue on I-295 to exit 7 - (Franklin Arterial).
4. Take exit 7 onto Franklin Arterial.
5. Drive the length of Franklin Arterial to the end (the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal will be directly in front of you).
6. Take a right onto Commercial Street and proceed down Commercial Street through 2 traffic lights.
7. GMRI is located at 350 Commercial Street, across the street from Rufus Deering Lumber. Parking for buses and cars is provided to the right of the building.