Ecology Learning Center

In academic year 2023-2024 (FY24), Ecology Learning Center provided education to approximately 107 students grades 9-12.In Biology, students assessed three local bodies of water: Sandy Stream, Bacon Brook, and Unity Pond. In History, students researched and conducted a formal debate over the controversial Central Maine Power corridor. Officials from the town of Unity were interviewed as part of a Civics unit. Community engagement, such as cleaning headstones in local cemeteries and maintaining a local mountain biking trail, added depth and character development to the place-based curriculum. Students seeking additional challenges enjoyed dual enrollment at the University of Maine, where college courses are available to them as part of their high school education.Students explored the local landscape and coast through Adventure days - mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing, sea kayaking and sailing on a schooner. A partnership with Maine Local Living School offered 10th grade students an off-grid overnight experience in Maine's western foothills. All students participated in an annual 5K Maple Run featuring hydration sweetened with student-made syrup. The Ecology Learning Center ranked third in the statewide Teens to Trails Life Happens Outside Challenge, where schools competed to log the highest number of hours spent outside by students.In addition to place-based curriculum and connecting with the ecological landscape, students explored cultural landscapes through art. In May, an arts celebration showcased live folk music, a gallery of students' paintings and drawings, and a display of handcrafted objects from woodworking courses. Students performed at the Unity Block Party in September and Yuletide Celebration in December.