Cannan Elementary, Cannan, VT and F/V Shearwater, Monhegan Island, ME

Project page: link (2003-2004) Grade: 3rd Fishery: ground fish/lobster Length of partnership: 3 years and going! (Jan — June each school year) Contact between partners: 10 + emails and 5+ calls

Adopt-a-Boat Happenings:

• Captain Mattie Thomson visits the classroom for 1 1/2 days during Canaanís Ocean Fair
• Students take a 2-day field trip out to Monhegan Island to learn about Mattieís home, boat, fishery, and meet with the students of Monhegan School.

Curriculum connections:

Our partnership connects specifically to:

• Language arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• The students read extensively about ocean animals and the ocean in general.
• They also write reports, give oral presentations, and learn ocean vocabulary and terms. .

• Our partnership has made learning about the ocean "real" and hands-on. Captain Mattie has provided my students with relevant data that we use in math and science.

Teacher's comments:

My partnership with Captain Mattie has developed into a valuable learning experience for my third grade Vermont students. For many, it is their first exposure to the ocean. Not only do they learn about commercial fishing, they are also are introduced to a way of life that is very unlike their own. By year's end, my students identify with "their captain." Their excitement and enthusiasm for commercial fishing, Captain Mattie, Jessica, and the whole ocean experience is genuine. This is what learning should be like for all children!