For kids in grades 2 – 6
What is “aquaculture?”
Aquaculture is the practice of “farming the sea,” other water environments. It refers to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in ponds, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Researchers and aquaculture producers “farm” all kinds of freshwater and marine species of fish, shellfish, and plants. Aquaculture produces food fish, sport fish, bait fish, ornamental fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, sea vegetables, and fish eggs. Marine aquaculture can take place in the ocean (in cages, on the seafloor, or suspended in the water column) or in on-land, manmade systems such as ponds or tanks.
What is “4-H Summer of Science – Aquaculture?
It is six lessons about the science of aquaculture through the study of seaweed. Did you know seaweed is an important part of Maine’s ecology? In these lessons, offered through 4-H and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, kids will learn to identify native seaweed and discover how “farming” it may have a big impact on the Maine economy some day!
The program will meet weekly on Tuesdays from July 12 to August 16, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For kids in grades 2-6: Limited to 15 participants–advance registration required. Please register by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.
What are the 4-H Summer of Science Aquaculture activities for 2016?
July 12: Maine Seaweed ID
July 19: Seaweed Slime
July 26: Go Fish for Seaweed
August 2:Nitrogen Cycle Game
August 9: Seaweed Filtration
August 16: Seaweed Celebrity!
If I register my child, does he/she have to attend all six sessions?
The lessons in the aquaculture program build upon each other, so we hope your child can attend most if not all sessions. We recognize, of course, that it is summer time and people go away on vacation or have other commitments. Because space is limited, however, please do not register your child if you think he or she won’t be able to attend at least three of the sessions.
Please register your child by filling out the form below.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
75 Clearwater Drive
Falmouth, ME 04105
207.781.6099