MCLE

The Maine Coast Learning Expedition is a state-approved non-traditional limited purpose school, which offers research fellowships to qualifying high school students. MCLE is modeled on Outward Bound Principles of Expeditionary Learning.

2005 Fellowships

Research Fellowships included Seasonal Field Studies, Laboratory Research, Writing from Observation, Database Development, and Scientific Communication. MCLE Research fellows had opportunities to learn a variety of field sampling methods while investigating a diversity of local ecosystems. They were introduced to ongoing environmental projects, including phytoplankton monitoring, water quality monitoring, and surveys of marine resources. Research fellows spent many days outside recording observations in field journals and collecting environmental data. There was reflective time for reading articles related to research areas and discussing ideas with peers. Each research fellow was involved in an environmental research projects which were presented to the MDI community at the culmination of the program. Research fellows learned to set up databases, analyze data using a variety of statistical tests, draw conclusions, write scientific reports, and make recommendations to state and local leaders based on their findings. Fellowships were designed to include afternoon workshops to compliment student research with reflective work in the form of writing, journaling, and/or team building activities. Individual student interest, as well as the collective student body makeup will direct this aspect of the program. Workshop options were discussed during parent and student interviews. Fees were attached to these activities. Workshops were held at other participating organizations on MDI, including Camp Beech Cliff, Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary and the studio of poet Candice Stover.

Fellowship positions were funded through the Thomas H. Maren Foundation, which provides $5,000 of support per student for a 12 week study.

Curriculum and Schedule

Ongoing research initiatives of the Water Quality Coalition will be used as the basis for student projects. Schedules can be arranged according to student interest.

2004 Fellows' Work

Click the links below to view 2004 fellows' final presentations:

Flash player required:

Nitrogen Studies and the Effects of Toxicity on Zebrafish Embryos

Cruise Ships in Bar Harbor (not yet available)

Limited Purpose Non Traditional School

This state approval as a limited purpose non traditional school recognizes that Maine Coast Learning Expedition has satisfied the State’s guidelines for meeting the content standards of Maine’s system of learning results, assessment procedures, and curriculum development with a Maine State Certified teaching staff. Non-Traditional Limited Purpose Schools do not award credits or diplomas. Sending Schools may award credits toward their own standards for graduation as they see fit. Non-Traditional Limited Purpose Schools are approved, but are not compulsory or charter schools. The MDI Water Quality Coalition designs programs like the Maine Coast Learning Expedition to compliment curricular offerings in the local public school system.