Last week, the Stays’l's and Mizzens at BSSC unpacked our “Maine Ingredient” - seaweed! Starting small, we looked at micro-algae, which are the basis of our food chains. By Tuesday, our budding scientists were ready to learn about the macro-algae they see every day. During most of the week we explored what varieties of seaweed are native to the region and how they can be used in daily life. Seaweed is a key element to Maine coastal ecosystems, and it was exciting to see students build connections from crabs in tide pools to their seaweed snacks.   

At BSSC, snack time is key. Through a taste test of different seaweed snacks, our budding scientists gained a sense of what they might bring for their next snack, with some discovering a love for crispy nori, available in an array of flavors. In step with the great seaweed taste test, Sarah Redmond, owner of Springtide Seaweed located in Gouldsboro, Maine, joined us as a special guest to discuss her seaweed farming practices. Sarah’s work highlights the diverse utility of seaweed, and we were all most excited about the pizza and cheesy kelp seasonings that we tried.  

Inspired by Sarah’s message that seaweed is in everything, the Stay’s’l group finished the week with a “shark tank” style presentation where groups developed products that use seaweed. Some ideas pitched included hand lotion, cooking spray, toilet paper, and more snacks. This week, while we tackle marine debris technology, no one is forgetting how foundational (and delicious) seaweed is!  

The winds were high as we rolled into week six at BSSC. Because the wind was up, we focused on big boat sailing though we did manage to sail Turnabouts, row, and kayak.  We were thrilled to be able to get out every day. Early in the week the wind took the Stay’s’l sailors all the way to the east side of Squirrel Island. Later in the week, due to high wind, the Stay’s’l sailors paddled and rowed to Perch Island to explore the tidepools and swim. 

The Mizzen sailors also had an eventful week earning skill beads (rigging, derigging, knot tying, etc.), rowing, and sailing Turnabouts. Many got every skill bead, and all are having a great time collecting them. Last week was also full of fun ... sighting sea animals that included porpoises, seals, and pogies.