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University of Maine offers virtual field trips to educate youth about aquaculture
October 1, 2024 By Aquaculture North America staff
(Photo: University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H) The University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is offering virtual field trips for young learners to explore Maine’s aquaculture industry.
Virtual field trips are a new way for youth to explore and learn about aquaculture facilities and people that would otherwise not be feasible. These experiences bring Maine’s aquaculture industry to life.
The trips are free with the aim to break down geographical and financial barriers, making high-quality, hands-on learning available to all. Educators can register online to receive a link to introduce their students to Maine aquaculture.
Each field trip also comes with complementary 4-H activity guides and lesson plans to help facilitate meaningful engagement with youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
The first virtual trip currently available features the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), a large-scale, land-based aquaculture facility in Franklin, Maine.
Students can the juvenile lumpfish room in the University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research. CCAR has marine hatcheries where young fish, shellfish, and seaweed are grown for research and industry. They can also click and drag the content to look all around the juvenile lumpfish room.
Additional virtual field trips are in the works and will be rolled out throughout 2025 and 2026. These experiences offer insight into seafood production, workforce development, career exploration, and STEM concepts related to aquaculture technologies.
