Project Overview

This field guide to the marine organisms of the intertidal zone of Casco Bay was created by 7^th grade students at King Middle School in Portland, Maine, as part of a Learning Expedition called, “In the Zone.” Students were engaged in scientific research at the school, on site in the bay, and at a marine aquarium. The full investigation included water quality testing, population research and charting, classification work, and consultation with local experts. The Learning Expedition involved all team teachers – science, math, social studies, language arts, visual art and special education.

Students went on multiple fieldwork research trips to the bay. Rather than download photographs of organisms from on line sources, students and teachers used wet suits and snorkels in the cold ocean water to collect and photograph the organisms in their natural environments. Those organisms that were difficult to find in the bay were viewed, sketched and photographed at the aquarium.

For the final product, each student chose a single marine organism to research, and was required to complete technical writing and illustration on that organism for a two-page spread in the field guide.

The final draft was edited and published at the school by students, and was sold by commercial stores and the National Park Service to inform tourists and local citizens about the organisms inhabiting the bay.