Oceans Apart is a new program being taught to Islesboro’s fourth and fifth grade students. It is providing a hands-on opportunity for students study the ecology and heritage of Maine’s coast while also teaching traditional subjects. Oceans Apart was founded on the belief that learning should be an experiential process in which students can engage themselves actively.
Participating Islesboro teacher Jan Dooley believes that if you can make learning fun, students will better relate to what is being taught. She also feels that it is invaluable for students to relate to their immediate environment because, she says, what you love, you take care of.
At the start of the program, students spent a day aboard the schooner SIMPLICITY. For many it was their first time sailing. The students participated fully in the sailing of the vessel; they raised the sails, navigated and steered among the islands of West Penobscot Bay. They were introduced to the maritime history of the area. By spending the day this way, students begin to relate physical experiences with classroom discussions and historical stories.
As the fall progresses, the island students will visit the Penobscot Marine Museum, explore different coastal ecosystems and spend time within the classroom researching and studying independent topics related to the historic and future use of Maine’s marine resources. Those teaching the program hope to ignite a spark within the students that will help foster a desire to study and explore. Midcoast Maine is rich in history and heritage, but in a time of standardized learning expectations, there is little allowance for exploring the uniqueness of students’ home environments.
In its pilot year, Oceans Apart has been fully funded through private donations. Future programming is planned to include other Maine island schools. Oceans Apart hopes to provide resources for teachers as well as become a link between island classrooms allowing students to share in learning. Dooley, who feels that the program has been going very well, she commented that it blends neatly into her curriculum.
For more information on the Oceans Apart program, contact Nakomis Nelson by e-mail at oceans@midcoast.com or by phone, 207-592-9754.