EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM, the software portion of EcoScienceWorks, can be found in the Applications folder of all Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) middle school student and teacher laptops in Fall 2008.

This software has been developed with the help of Maine middle school science teachers and thoroughly field tested in Maine classrooms over the past 3 years. The software is at the heart of the new EcoScienceWorks curriculum written by Maine middle school science teachers. The curriculum includes unit and lesson plans for each EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM lab as well as an accompanying field exercise. Each curriculum unit includes assessments that align with the new Maine learning standards and is designed to be used "right out of the box." The EcoScienceWorks curriculum can be obtained at the software developer's site following a simple registration (link below). Registering will allow teachers to be advised of any updates to the software and the curriculum.

To obtain the EcoScienceWorks curriculum, go to the Teacher Page at http://www.simbio.com/Maine and fill out the registration form. The curriculum is downloadable in two formats 1) as a NoteShare Notebook that includes a Student NoteShare Notebook that allows digital submission of student worksheets and, 2) as a Web Notebook (without a Student Notebook) for teachers who choose not to use NoteShare.

Support Options

Teachers can obtain support for the curriculum in various ways.

• Find EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM FAQs at http://www.simbio.com/Maine
• Get direct support from Maine middle school science teachers who have been involved in the project
• Contact the project's leaders or

If you would like to know more about the EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM labs check out our podcasts at Maine Department of Education's iTunes U site.

If you do not have iTunes, it is available from Apple.

EcoScienceWorks is a National Science Foundation (NSF) ITEST Project directed by:

EcoBeakerTM and EcoBeaker HSTM are trademarks of SimBiotic Software