Since October 2014, students in the Cobscook Community High School (CCHS) program have been engaged in an experimental clam project that tests the clam’s ability to thrive in a variety of substrates. CCHS partnered with the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education (DEI) to learn about clam life history, algae propagation, and hatchery operations. Afterwards, the students began growing algae in preparation for raising the DEI clams in their classroom. Later this spring, the students will analyze the clams to measure rate of growth in each substrate. They will follow this project with planting their clams in the flats on Straight Bay to monitor clam growth in natural conditions. This project allows students to actively think about the scientific process of designing experiments as well as understanding the biological life history of shellfish. This is just one of the many amazing projects these talented educators and their bright students have been working on throughout the school year.
CCHS is a program of the Cobscook Community Learning Center (CCLC), based in Trescott Township. The program focuses on experiential learning through expeditions, service projects, and community engagement to build students’ leadership, outdoor, academic, and personal skills. CCHS also partners with many other organizations to expose students to a wide variety of topics and learning experiences throughout Washington County and the state of Maine. To learn more about the Cobscook Community High School and/or the Learning Center, visit www.cclc.me or call 207-733-2233.