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 watershed. Students will then be presented with a challenge...to solve the "Mystery of the X-Fish." As students take on the role of marine scientists, they will visit four interactive Lab Venture Stations to explore and discover why the X-Fish is important to the Gulf of Maine. A concluding presentation will summarize what they have learned about the X-Fish by displaying student-generated data and tying that into current research going on today. All students will leave this experience with a personal website that displays pictures and videos created by them during their visit. This allows students and educators to extend this experience past GMRI and into students’ homes and their classrooms.

What students will learn

Maine's 5th and 6th grade students will be engaged in the scientific process as they make observations, develop hypotheses, collect data, and draw conclusions while they solve they mystery of the X-Fish. In discovering the importance of the X-Fish, students will be studying the food web, identifying characteristics of species, observing fish behavior, and looking at scientists' roles in the community. Each of the activities at the Lab Venture 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

1. I-95 North to exit 6A- 295 North.
2. Drive on I-295N and take exit 4 - Downtown Waterfront, Rte. 1.
3. Cross Rte. 1 Bridge and take right at the light at Veterans Circle.
4. Continue down Commercial Street, pass under Casco Bay Bridge and past the International Ferry Terminal.
5. GMRI is located at 350 Commercial Street. Parking is provided to the right of the building (Parking is provided for busses as well).

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. Parking is provided to the right of the building (Parking is provided for busses as well).