Dedham students look for invasive species

Middle school students at the Dedham School spent some time this fall scouring a local stream for an invasive species known as didymo, or more commonly known as “rock snot.”

Teacher Rhonda Tate’s students worked with Vital Signs, a science research and education program at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to conduct the invasive species search.

Of course, the hope was that the search would turn up no rock snot. But one student research group had a close call.

Check out this account of the students’ research, findings and collaboration with Department of Environmental Protection experts.

Resources and more information

• Sarah Kirn, Vital Signs Program Manager
  Gulf of Maine Research Institute
  207-228-1631
  sarah@gmri.org
• Rhonda Tate, Grade 7 teacher
  Dedham School
  207-843-6498
  rtate@dedhamschool.net
• Vital Signs
• Rhonda Tate’s Class Page