Marine Science and Aquaculture
Explore all workshops in the Marine Science and Aquaculture learning track below!
Aquaculture Virtual Field Trip
- Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23
- 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Open to all youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 15 attendees
Have you ever wondered what aquaculture is and what does a real aquaculture facility look like? Join us in this three part series to answer these questions and more!
- Week 1: Explore the basics of “What is Aquaculture?” through a game, digital resources and hands-on activity.
- Week 2: Embark on a virtual field trip to the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR). Explore the facility and learn about the aquaculture that happens there!
- Week 3: Put what you’ve learned to use and design your own aquaculture business. What will you grow and why? What will your business need to be successful?
Each week we will spend time getting to know each other, learning, and doing hands-on activities. Think you might want more? We will be sharing digital resources and games so you can keep the learning going between sessions. Register by June 25.
Exploring Maine’s Water Ecology
- Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7
- 2:00 – 3:00 pm
- Open to all youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 12 attendees
Are you a young scientist who wants to learn more about the ecology of Maine’s oceans? Want to know how microscopic algae are connected to whales and fishermen; or learn about the ecology of your own backyard? Sydney, a UMaine graduate student with an expertise in harmful algae and its community impact will share her research and field observations alongside us and we explore Maine’s natural environment together.
In five engaging virtual sessions, you’ll learn how to design experiments, collect data, and share your observations with your group. Participants must be prepared to get outside between sessions to collect observations locally. Access to a digital camera will be helpful, but is not required.
This workshop is proudly supported by Maine EPSCoR at the University of Maine, and supplies will be mailed to registered attendees’ homes. Join us and unleash your inner scientist as we discover the fascinating ecology of Maine together. Register by June 24.
Start Your Own Fish Tank
- Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1
- July dates: 3:30 – 5:00 pm, August: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
- Open to youth ages 9 and up
- Maximum 10 attendees
Join the 4-H Aquaculture Team for an engaging, practical workshop aimed at helping you set up your own fish tank! Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this 4-part series has something for everyone. Throughout the workshops, participants will learn the basics of maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. From understanding water chemistry, fishless cycling, and nutrient cycles, to keeping track of data, we’ve got you covered. We will provide some essential equipment, like aquatic plants, a biofilter, an air pump with tubing, a digital thermometer, fishless cycling products, and a water quality test kit – mailed to your home before the workshop starts. Participants will also need to purchase a few items locally, such as a fish tank, lid, gravel/substrate, and eventually your fish.
Parents or guardians should be aware that this project requires a small financial investment and time commitment from them and their child. The last workshop of the series will be a meeting of the 4-H Aquarium Club, a club that participants can join for ongoing support from UMaine experts year-round! Register by June 17.
Virtual Touch Tank
- Wednesday, July 31
- 11:00 am – noon OR 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Open to youth of all ages
- Maximum 20 screens (siblings can share a screen)
Melissa and interns from the UMaine Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR) will introduce participants to some of Maine’s common sea creatures! Youth will visually explore and learn about some of Maine’s sea creatures. Register by July 26.