Bivalve Teachers' Camp! (July 7-9, 2026): Application
Bivalve Teachers' Camp is a free, 3-day, 2-night immersive learning experience for Maine teachers to discover the science behind bivalve farming. Based at the University of Maine's Darling Marine Center in Walpole, a cohort of 20 teachers will engage in hands-on activities and lessons to learn about the biology and science behind bivalve farming in Maine. Participants will have the opportunity to meet industry experts; learn directly from scientists about the biology and ecology of oyster, mussel, scallop, and clam farming; connect with other aqua-curious teachers; and develop their own shellfish-y activities to use during the school year. Participants will receive 24 contact hours for their participation.
Who is this training opportunity for?
With this Bivalve Teachers' Camp, we are aiming to reach K-12 classroom educators or full time employees at public or private schools in Maine who are interested in incorporating aquaculture into their curriculum. Participants from the Bivalve Educator's Workshop and Bivalve Educators' Field Day are welcome and encouraged to apply. Informal and non-profit educators are permitted to apply, but we will prioritize applicants who are currently employed in Maine schools.
What is required to participate?
The course is free of charge to all participants and will run from 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 7 to 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 9 at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, Maine. You must be a full-time resident of Maine and over 18 years old to participate. Housing and meals will be provided to attendees beginning with lunch on Tuesday and ending with lunch on Thursday. Mileage for transportation to and from the Darling Marine Center will be reimbursed, and stipends of $200 per day ($600 total) will be provided to attending teachers in the Maine school system.
REGISTER HERE
What will be covered?
The agenda will include a variety of topics and activities, including:
- bivalve biology & specimen identification
- bivalve ecology and ecosystem services
- introduction to bivalve farming and technology
- hands-on activities to teach students about ocean farming
- designing an activity to use with your students
Please provide the following information to complete your application for the program:
Section 1 - Contact Information
Section 2 - Background & Interests
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 22nd
Notification of decisions will be made by: Friday, May 1st
Thank you!
Maya Pelletier, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
Aquaculture Workforce and Education Manager
Anne Langston Noll, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
Executive Director
Kristel Anuszewski, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
Curriculum Specialist
Colleen Maker, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
Curriculum Specialist
This immersive experience is hosted by the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center with support from the USDA-NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, project award no. 2024-67037-42603.
