Biddeford Middle School (BMS) students recently experienced an unforgettable educational adventure thanks to an $800 grant from the Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF). The "Whale of a Day" project brought the awe-inspiring Chunk the Whale, a 70’x30’ inflatable baleen whale, to the school, allowing sixth-graders to engage in hands-on learning about whales and their crucial role in the ecosystem.
The experience was led by program educator Jessica Woodend of Within the Whale based in Topsham, Maine, and was part of a comprehensive learning day designed to deepen students' understanding of ecosystems. Students had the opportunity to enter the inflatable whale for a closer look at its anatomy and discuss topics such as whale adaptations, behavior, life cycles, and the important role they play in maintaining the health of the ocean environment. The visit followed an earlier field trip to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, where students explored marine life and ecosystems.
“We were thrilled to bring Chunk the Whale to Biddeford Middle School,” said Susanna Sharpe, BMS Instructional Coach, who spearheaded the project. “This was a fantastic way to bring science to life for our students and connect what they learned previously at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute with a real-world, interactive experience. The enthusiasm from our students was incredible.”
BMS Principal Scott Descoteaux reflected on the success of the event: “The 'Whale of a Day' project perfectly complemented our sixth-grade curriculum and provided our students with a hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experience. This grant from the Biddeford Education Foundation allowed us to make science feel exciting and accessible. Our students left the day with a deeper appreciation for whales and the importance of preserving our oceans.”
Sixth-grader Lily Warner, shared her excitement about the event: “I loved going inside the whale! It was so cool to see how big it was and learn about all the different ways whales help the environment.”
This project was made possible through the Biddeford Education Foundation's Teacher Mini-Grant Program, which supports educators in Biddeford with funding for creative classroom initiatives. The program offers teachers the opportunity to apply for mini-grants to enhance their students' learning experiences. BEF's commitment to education provides teachers with the resources they need to bring innovative ideas to life. Sharpe noted that she hopes to expand the project in the future, turning it into a full unit that spans multiple subjects and allows for even deeper learning connections.
“The Foundation is proud to support innovative learning opportunities like 'Whale of a Day, ' which help bring unique and enriching experiences to students across the district,” stated Shelley Kane, Biddeford Education Foundation President. “It is thanks to the many donors who have contributed to BEF that we are able to support these academic initiatives, along with many other student needs.”
The Biddeford Public School Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to manage and distribute funds raised to enrich the educational experience for the students of Biddeford. Through partnerships with the community and district, the Foundation provides resources outside the normal school budget to address food insecurity, rent relief, clothing, and to augment teaching to encourage academic excellence, and maximize opportunities for students from Pre-K through Grade 12.
For more information on the Biddeford Education Foundation, visit the Biddeford School Department’s website and click on Giving, or call President Shelley Kane at 207-391-6885.
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Pictured above are: (Front row) Nick McPhee, Kolton Maynard, (Back row) Micah Twahirwa, Almeida Lembissa, Jackson Gonneville, Tiago Chissano, and Quincy Jarvis.