Education action area

Engaging Students in Science

Students need hands-on learning to strengthen their understanding of science.

We build Maine middle school students’ critical thinking skills and understanding of the nature of science through participation in authentic science experiences.

We create authentic science opportunities for students, including:

  • Engaging 10,000 Maine middle schoolers each year in our LabVenture program.
  • Creating opportunities to participate in citizen science in the classroom.
  • Supporting the full cycle of scientific inquiry including peer review of science through publication

Student Experiences

Learn more about our authentic science experiences for students.

  • LabVenture

    LabVenture

    Each year, GMRI hosts nearly 10,000 Maine middle schoolers in its LabVenture program — a hands-on, interactive, authentic investigation of current research on the Gulf …

  • Community Science in Classrooms

    Community Science in Classrooms

    In classrooms, it is more important than ever that students have access to authentic science experiences and content that build a strong foundation for them …

  • Findings from the Field

    Findings from the Field

    A unique opportunity for students to engage in critical elements of the scientific process: the writing, peer review, and publication of results.

  • Assessing Coastal Flood Risk with Maine Communities

    Assessing Coastal Flood Risk with Maine Communities

    The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is partnering with the coastal Maine communities of Machias, Saint George, Boothbay Harbor, and Portland to collect local water …

Inside LabVenture

LabVenture is the cornerstone education program of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. As part of our LabVenture experience, 5th and 6th graders from all corners of Maine take on the role of scientists and conduct their own hands-on research in the Cohen Center for Interactive Learning, our state-of-the-art learning laboratory. Inside LabVenture provides a comprehensive look at this long-running but recently reimagined program.

This video series highlights the elements of our LabVenture program

Read More About Our Work With Students