Portland High School students studying ocean science presented their work at the Coastal TRACERS Student Symposium, held at the University of Maine, Orono, in March. The PHS students were among other students from schools along the coast of Maine presenting their work at the symposium.

PHS science educator Caroline Patrie is a participant in the Coastal TRACERS research project, which is supported by the National Science Foundation, Sea Grant 2025, UMaine Orono, and the RiSE Center at UMaine Orono. The mission of the project is to bring students strong experiences in STEM, marine and ocean science, as well as make connections to their local communities.

The students gave presentations on various topics, including the dissection of sea organisms such as mussels, clams and squid to explore their anatomy. Students also built temperature sensors using microBit processors to collect data along the Portland waterfront. These students hope to connect with Friends of Casco Bay later in the spring of 2025 to process and share their sensor data!