K-12 education opportunities at the Darling Marine Center provide students with basic understanding of the marine environment and our connection to it. Students can explore the marine habitats of the Damariscotta River estuary and take advantage of laboratory space for further investigation. It is our goal to provide students with a better awareness of our oceans, their habitats, inhabitants and history, as well as the unique features that make up the Damariscotta River estuary.
Topics of study can include:
- Biology and Ecology
- Ocean Chemistry
- Marine and Coastal Geology
- Aquaculture and Commercial Fishing
- Marine History
While at the Darling Center students may:
- Explore tidepools, rocky shore, mudflats, and surrounding forest trails
- Study creatures under microscopes or conduct experiments
- Take a boat trip to collect samples and explore the surrounding water environment
- Play games and participate in activities related to marine science
- Find out about research being conducted at the center
Visits to the Darling Marine Center can be as short as 1 ½ hours or as long as the school day, depending on the interests of the group and planned activities. Groups of 15 students are the perfect size, but larger classes can be accommodated if scheduled at least a month in advance.
The cost of a field trip ranges from $125 or $325 (includes boat trip) for a group of about 15 students. Thanks to a generous donation from the Edward A. Myers Marine Conservation Fund, field trip costs for schools within the Darariscotta River watershed can be defrayed.
We can work with teachers to customize programs that enhance individual classroom curriculum and help students achieve Maine State Learning Results.
Classroom visits are also possible within the AOS93 school district. If you are interested in pre-trip or follow-up programming, we can come to you. Please contact our K-12 Education Coordinator for details.
Inquiries may be sent to:
Anneliese “Lili” Pugh
K-12 Education Coordinator
anneliese.pugh@maine.edu
563-3146 x252