Kelp Farming and Related Projects from the Belfast Area High School & BCOPE Marine Institute – Dave Thomas and BAHS Faculty & Students

Teachers and students from RSU 71 including Belfast Area High School and the alternative program BCOPE will be describing the newly formed Belfast Marine Institute, an initiative born out of state-funded grants and community support. Several Marine Institute projects will be described including a licensed kelp farm, field trips, certification and internship opportunities for students, and technology and equipment currently used by students to conduct marine-related research and monitoring.

David Thomas has taught high school science in four public high schools in New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Maine for over 20 years. He holds a B.S. in limnology (the study of biological, chemical, and physical features of lakes and rivers) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.S. in science education from Cornell University. He currently serves on the BBWC Board.