Team Highlands Sets Off to Belfast on a Quest for Super Seaweed
As part of their science studies, Messalonskee Middle School’s Team Highlands explored the fascinating world of seaweed and its vital role in the carbon cycle and scientific classification. Students read With a Little Kelp from Our Friends multiple times, each reading uncovering new layers for deeper exploration. They investigated the intertidal zone, examined the placement of various Maine seaweeds and marine animals, and learned about the scientific naming system—culminating in students creating their own fish names using Greek roots.
The unit also explored the innovative uses of seaweed in today’s world, including feeding it to cows to reduce methane emissions and using it as a natural fertilizer in gardens. To engage students’ senses, Mrs. Ripa introduced a selection of dried seaweed snacks, which quickly became a classroom favorite!
For the culminating project, students created species ID cards, which they later used during an exciting field trip to Belfast City Park on May 29. During the trip, students rotated through four hands-on stations: creating seaweed cyanotype prints, practicing seaweed identification, playing the “Food Web Frenzy” tag game, and completing a tidal zone bingo/scavenger hunt.
Lunch included delicious seaweed-infused treats like homemade ranch dressing and miso soup made with Maine-harvested seaweed. Afterward, students enjoyed free time to beachcomb or play in the park.
The day was a memorable outdoor adventure filled with learning, exploration, and fun. In a post-trip survey, many students shared heartfelt reflections:
“The water was awesome, and I found a new favorite beach!”
“I loved it very much—thank you a lot for this field trip, it was an amazing trip.”
“I loved the field trip and had a blast!”
It was truly a fantastic day spent discovering the wonders of Maine’s coastline and celebrating our students’ curiosity and enthusiasm for science. #WeAreRSU18
