What are bivalves (oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops), and how might we farm them in Maine?

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In this lesson, students will learn what a bivalve is and imagine what a bivalve farm might look like. With no prior knowledge needed, students are encouraged to begin thinking about how “aquaculture” is practiced by drawing and sharing their ideas of a farm. Students then collaborate to discuss what they know, what they have heard, and what they would like to learn about bivalve farming. Finally, students see images of farms and reflect on their thoughts as a group.

Grade: 3-12

Time Frame: 60 minutes

Prerequisites: None

Standards: 

ES: 3-PS2-4, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2

MS: MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2

HS: HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-7, HS-ETS1-1

What does bivalve farming in look like in Maine?

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In this lesson, students will build their understanding of bivalve aquaculture by learning about a specific form of bivalve aquaculture in Maine: oyster, blue mussel, or sea scallop. Students will then consider how to communicate what they have learned to an audience with no prior knowledge of bivalve aquaculture. Finally, groups will put their creative communication skills to the test by making bivalve farming PSAs!

Grade: 6-12

Time Frame: 60 minutes

Prerequisites: Lesson 1 recommended

Standards:

MS: MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2

HS: HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-7, HS-ETS1-1

How does bivalve aquaculture fit into the geography of coastal Maine?

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In this lesson, students practice their exploratory skills using digital maps to located different features, farms, and facilities along the Maine coast. Students will have the opportunity to work independently and in groups before contributing to the collective class product, a map of Maine bivalve aquaculture.

Grade: 6-12

Time Frame:

Prerequisites: Lessons 1 & 2 recommended

Standards: Maine Learning Results Social Studies (Geography & Civics), Science & Engineering, Technology & Digital Literacy, NGSS

What is the anatomy of a bivalve (oyster, mussel, clam, or scallop) and how are the bivalve species similar and different?

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In this lesson, students will investigate the anatomy of four different Maine bivalves that are found in the wild and on aquaculture farms. First, students will practice developing models or visual representations of these bivalves. Then they will explain to their classmates how the organism’s features support survival and growth during a ‘museum walk’ activity.

Grade: 6-12

Time Frame: 3-4 class periods ( 180 minutes total)

Prerequisites:

Unit 1: Lessons 1, 2, and 3 are recommended to complete this activity

Standards: 

• MS: MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, B1-Structure and Function, B2-Ecosystems, E1-Systems, A1-Unifying Themes
• HS: HS-LS1-2, HS-LS4-2, B1-Structure and Function, B2-Ecosystems, B3-Evolution, E1-Systems

What is the life cycle of a bivalve (oyster, mussel, clam, or scallop) and how are bivalve lifecycles similar and different across species?

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In this lesson, students will investigate the life cycle of four different Maine bivalves that are found in the wild and on aquaculture farms. Students will begin by developing models or visual representations of bivalve life cycles to relate survival to adaptation and evolution in marine environments. Then they will teach each other about the bivalve species they have become an expert in.

Grade: 6-12

Time Frame: 2 class periods ( 90 minutes total)

Prerequisites:

Unit 1: Lessons 1, 2, and 3 are recommended to complete this activity.
Unit 2: Lesson 1 is required to complete this activity.

Standards: 

• MS: MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS4-4, E1 Systems, E2 Biodiversity, B1 Skills & Traits of Scientific Inquiry, B2 Scientific Reasoning
• HS: HS-LS1-4, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS4-4, E1-Systems, E2 Biodiversity, B1 Skills & Traits of Scientific Inquiry, B2 Scientific Reasoning

What happens in a bivalve hatchery, and how is this related to the bivalve life cycle and anatomy?

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In this lesson, students will be introduced to the concept of bivalve hatcheries and watch a video about the Downeast Institute Hatchery on Beals Island to see how bivalve seed is produced in Maine. Then they will connect what happens in the hatchery with the life cycle of a bivalve.

Grade: 6-12 (easily adapted for 3-5)

Time Frame: 1-1.5 class periods (60 minutes total)

Prerequisites:

Unit 1: Lessons 1, 2, and 3 are recommended to complete this activity. 

Unit 2: Lessons 1 and 2 are recommended to complete this activity.

Standards: 

• MS: MS-LS1-12 MS-LS1-4, MS-LS2-1, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2
• HS: HS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-4, HS-LS2-7, HS-ETS1-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ57B3N1ELo

This Unit from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Wabanaki Studies Program is recommended as the first lessons for Unit 3: Maine’s History of Bivalve Aquaculture. The Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center (MAIC) is grategul to the Wabanaki Studies Program and the DOE for the creation of this important resource and for allowing us to link to it in our curriculum. For additional resources for educators teaching Wabanaki Studies, please visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/innovation/wabanakistudies.

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→LINK TO FULL UNIT 

This Unit contains the following four lessons:

Lesson 1: Shell Mounds in this place now called Maine: This lesson provides an overview of what shell mounds are and begins the conversation with students about what is known about them. (45-60 minutes)

Lesson 2: Looking at Locations of Shell Mounds in the place now called Maine: In this lesson,
students will identify the locations of some of the more prominent shell mounds throughout what is now known as the state of Maine and discuss the geographic significance of shell mounds. (45-60 minutes)

Lesson 3: Unveiling the Wabanaki Culture Through Shell Mounds: Students will begin exploring the cultural significance of shell mounds to the Wabanaki. (50-60 minutes)

Lesson 4: Preserving Shell Mounds: Taking Action to Protect Wabanaki Heritage: In this lesson, students will gain knowledge about how they can take action to help protect Wabanaki culture through the preservation of the shell mounds. (45-60 minutes)

Grades: Various depending on lesson

Coming soon!

Before beginning this activity in the classroom, we recommend that educators watch the complete LPA Public Health Training Video (~10 minutes) produced by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. It is important that you and your students are aware of the systems in place to make sure bivalves are safe for human consumption. Individuals should not harvest bivalves without a permit or inside a shellfish closure zone, as this can pose serious health risks to consumers. A slide to present key information to students as well as recommended segments of the above public health video are provided in the lesson plan.

How can we design bivalve farms in a way that supports the environment while also providing a sustinable food resource?

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In this lesson, students will learn about the Maine’s wild intertidal ecosystem. They will then compare wild harvest practices for bivalves with aquaculture practices and learn why it is important for anyone working with bivalves to follow public health regulations. Finally, students will get creative designing and building their own bivalve farms!

Grade: 6-12

Time Frame: 60 to 90 minutes

Prerequisites: Unit 1, Unit 2 required

Standards: NGSS MS-ETS1-1, NGSS MS-Ls2-5, Maine Learning Results – Science & Engineering Practices

Before beginning this activity in the classroom, we recommend that educators watch the complete LPA Public Health Training Video (~10 minutes) produced by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. It is important that you and your students are aware of the systems in place to make sure bivalves are safe for human consumption. Individuals should not harvest bivalves without a permit or inside a shellfish closure zone, as this can pose serious health risks to consumers. A slide to present key information to students as well as recommended segments of the above public health video are provided in the lesson plan.

How can we sustainably grow bivalves to support Maine’s environment and economy?

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In this lesson, students will design a bivalve farm, taking into consideration what oysters, mussels, and clams need to grow; using math tools like graphs, ratios, and spreadsheets to analyze costs and profits; and creating a persuasive business pitch supported by real-world data.

Grade: 6-12

Time Frame: 3–4 Class Periods (45–50 minutes each)

Prerequisites: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 4 required; Unit 3 and Units 5-7 recommended

Standards: MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-3, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, Learning Results -ELA & Math

This lesson plan was developed by MAIC but all credit for the Oyster Game and the accompanying worksheet and videos goes to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. MAIC appreciates the work of this partner organization in aquaculture workforce and education initiatives and encourages you to visit their website for more information.

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What does it take to build a successful business when you can’t control the environment?

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Students will learn about aquaculture and what it means to grow seafood like oysters. They will also explore how running a business—especially one connected to nature—requires careful planning and the ability to handle unexpected challenges. Using the GMRI Oyster Game, students will begin managing their own virtual oyster farm and making their own farming decisions.

Grade: 4-12

Time Frame: 45-60 minutes

Prerequisites: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 4, Unit 5, and Unit 8: Lesson 1 highly recommended if using this curriculum. However, this game can be played as a stand alone activity with the GMRI Foundations of Oyster Farming Videos without the prerequisite units. 

Standards: