Exploring and Modeling Ecosystems
Using Information Technology (IT)

EcoScienceWorks is an NSF ITEST project for seventh and eighth grade science teachers and students in Maine. Its major goal is to develop computer-based curriculum for the Maine laptop program that will spur student interest in computer modeling in science.

In July 2006, SimBiotic Software introduced EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM. This simulation software realistically models 5 Maine ecosystems.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1 summer session

The opening screen

Lake Invaders screenshot

EcoScienceWorks curriculum aligns with state and national science learning standards and integrates into the existing middle school ecology curriculum.

Year 1: EcoScienceWorks teachers...

interacted with experts in ecology

Maine Audubon scientists helped teachers design field exercises that complement the 5 labs in EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM and provided educational opportunities to teachers and their students.

explored computer models in ecology

The SimBiotic Software team designed EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM to model local habitats and promote learning through simulated experimentation.

created curricular units in ecology

Working in teams of five teachers and an Audubon scientist, teachers created ecology curricular units.

EcoScienceWorks Summer Session - August 2006 The summer session at Camp Kieve and on Audubon's Hog Island combined hard work and play. Twenty-three Maine middle school teachers created curriculum and field exercises to go with the new EcoBeaker: Maine ExplorerTM and then piloted it with 13 eighth grade students...