Lucky Thirteen

Lucky for the Vital Signs Program, that is!

Thirteen energized middle school teachers from around Maine spent three days this summer sharing their professional experiences and classroom expertise with the Vital Signs development team.

Their input has launched Vital Signs many giant steps forward, and has truly motivated and inspired the Vital Signs team.

They left GMRI ready to integrate Vital Signs in their own classrooms this fall or spring. Here’s why they’re enthused about the program, direct from the 13:

“I am excited about being able to take my students into the field, collect meaningful data and share it with the wider scientific community. I am hopeful that the end result will be to increase my students' environmental awareness so that they become more responsible, global citizens.”

“Great stuff! If good science begins with animate curiosity and intense observation, and healthy classrooms harbor excited teachers, then things are looking up for the science curriculums of thirteen Maine classrooms this fall.”

“I love the idea of doing real science and collecting data for a bigger purpose, along with giving kids the opportunity to develop a sense of ownership for the health of a local ecosystem. What a great opportunity!”

“I found this experience refreshing. I was pleased to be a part of a great group of people working together to improve the quality of science education in Maine. The collaboration between educators, scientists, students and local community should result in a more meaningful experience for our 7th and 8th graders statewide.”

“The most exciting thing about Vital Signs is that we are doing "real" science. Students’ audience will extend far beyond the usual restriction of the classroom walls and into the scientific community. The more students engage in this process the greater the chances are that today's students will become tomorrow's concerned citizens who will work to solve environmental problems as they arise.”

“Students will have an opportunity to take a lead in their communities - learning about invasive species and informing their friends and neighbors. Getting outside and exercising all of their senses to collect scientific data will be exciting and rewarding.”