The Fall Expedition Begins!

This week Windsor 7 students kicked-off their Fall expedition. Students will be investigating the dilemma of invasive plant species in Maine through a technologically innovative endeavor: R.E.D. Rovers (Research, Engineering and Deployment). In order to address the growing problem of invasives, the D.E.P. (Department of Environmental Protection) has asked our students to design R.O.V.s (Remotely Operated Vehicles) which can be used in local ponds and lakes to identify invasives. Engineers from the Office of Naval Research will be facilitating students in the design and test of a type of R.O.V. (small, remotely operated, submersibles called SeaPerches). Once the students have built their R.O.V.s they will engage in the scientific method and engineering design process to modify their machines for photographing invasive plants.

In tandem with this engineering project in math, science and related arts, students will explore technology through literature and research in Language Arts and social studies. Students will read “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” as a case study of how a community issue can be addressed through the innovative use of technology. After this initial case study, students will research other cases of technology’s use to address community issues around the globe. This research, the process and scientific findings of the R.O.V.s and a formal scientific report for the Department of Environmental Protection will be published for the expedition’s culminating event.

Here are some photos from this week's big events!

Josh Sparks from Sparks' Ark shared his animals and discussed invasive species.

Mr. Sparks' collection of exotic and invasive animals was impressive.

The Department of Environmental Protection presentation

Windsor 7 teachers are proud to collaborate with the D.E.P. on this expedition.

The D.E.P. brought water plants to analyze.

Students learned to identify various features of plants found in local lakes.

Hands-on learning!

Students will use this knowledge to identify invasives in the field.

Mr. Payne and Mr. Comstock taught students to measure and identify crabs.

Students utilized this skill to sample crab populations at Kettle Cove. 

A student shares their discovery: A hermit crab. 

Students placed Asian Shore Crabs and Green Crabs in their buckets.

Students prepare to measure the crab's carapace. 

Students used a caliper to measure each crab.

In groups they documented the information. The data will be used to determine
the impact of invasives on native crab populations.

Windsor 7 enjoyed field work at Kettle Cove.

Welcome Back!