Gulf of Maine Aquarium
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The Gulf of Maine Aquarium was incorporated in 1968 to teach the public about aquatic environments, promote research in the marine and aquatic sciences, and build a public aquarium. For 30 years, it has existed as an "Aquarium without Walls," developing innovative educational programs that include classroom-ready teacher guides, teacher workshops, a series of in-class programs, and a Web site.
The Gulf of Maine Aquarium is unique in its use of information technology. The Web site is used by teachers in all 50 states and 50 foreign countries. The site, developed with a grant from NASA, takes visitors on a virtual trip through the bogs, beaches, and aquifers of Maine. Visitors can also use real-time satellite imagery to study the Gulf of Maine and compare it to other global aquatic environments. Researchers and photographers travel the world equipped with digital cameras to send imagery and descriptions of their research back to the aquarium Web site for use by students.
Among the many different sections featured in the Gulf of Maine Aquarium Web site are:
- Space Available. Through the science of remote sensing, students can compare the different oceans, find out about humans' impact on the Earth, learn about life in Antarctica, see hurricanes and volcanic explosions from above, learn how satellites work, and more.
- All about Lobsters. Everything you've always wanted to know about your favorite crustacean is here. (Including how to eat one!)
- All about Turtles. Beginning with "A Tale of Two Turtles," this section discusses a turtle's life today and what you can do to help improve it.
- On Location. By "Turning Passive Learners into Principal Investigators," Web visitors here can take a virtual field trip to the far corners of the globe or engage in classroom activities.
- Katahdin to the Sea. Discover the wonder beneath the surfaces of streams, ponds, aquifers, bogs, estuaries, beaches, tidepools, and, of course, the Gulf of Maine.
- Streams. Where does a stream begin? Where does it end? And what's life like in a stream? This comprehensive section details these "capillaries and blood vessels that connect to the major arteries, the rivers."
- Creatures and Places. From the whimsical to the informative, there are topics here that are sure to be of interest to everyone.
Curator: Randolph Kim
Responsible NASA Official: Mark
Leon
Last Updated: 07/02/2002
