Searsport High, Penobscot Marine Museum Collaborated on Innovative Class Project
Two new wooden boats will be launched at the Searsport town dock at noon on May 20. But while boat launchings are often a cause for celebration, this one will also represent the successful completion of a semester-long science course for seven students from Searsport District High School.
Since January, students Holly Hassapelis, Derrik Kenney, Alex Lane, Emily LaRosa, Jason Pendleton, Shane Sauer, and Rebecca Trimble have been working with master boatbuilder Greg Rössel to build two Shellback Dinghies at Penobscot Marine Museum. The project was the result of an innovative collaboration between the museum and the high school, designed to teach physical science by providing students with first-hand exposure to boat-related concepts such as center of effort, buoyancy, vectors, and drag.
Science teacher Michelle Andre accompanied the students during much of their shop time, making sure that they met physical science standards through a combination of hands-on and traditional learning activities. Additional boatbuilding assistance was provided by community volunteers Fred Kirchais, Dave Lawrence, and Rick Fitzsimmons, and the museum provided work space, tools, and administrative support. The project was funded primarily by a grant from the Nellie Mae Foundation, with additional assistance from the Traditional Small Craft Association’s John Gardner Fund.
The public is invited to attend the May 20 launching, to congratulate the students and get a look at the finely-crafted boats. The boats will remain at the dock for a few weeks, giving the students a chance to try out their creations on the water. The dinghies will then return to Penobscot Marine Museum, where they will be placed on display and advertised for sale at $3,500 each, including oars and sailing rigs. Proceeds will go to fund the program next year, when the project will incorporate academic credit in mathematics as well as science. "It's a bargain for a nicely-finished, hand-crafted wooden boat," said Rössel.
For more information about the boats or the educational program, contact Searsport District High School Principal Brian Campbell at 207-548-2313.
Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, Penobscot Marine Museum is Maine's oldest maritime museum and home to outstanding collections of historic boats, photography, marine art and artifacts, ship models and 19th century furnishings and architecture. Penobscot Marine Museum is at 40 E. Main St. (US Rte. 1) in Searsport, between Camden, Bangor, and Acadia National Park. The museum will open for the 2011 season on May 27. Admission is free for Searsport residents. More information is at www.PenobscotMarineMuseum.org or call 207-548-2529.
