For three weeks this August, over 100 migrant children, aged 3 to 15, participated in hands-on science activities focused on blueberries, pollinators, and environmental DNA (eDNA) as part of the Blueberry Harvest School (BHS). This summer program, designed for children whose families work in Washington County, Maine during the wild blueberry harvest, is hosted by Mano en Mano in Milbridge, Maine.
This year, the University of Maine 4-H program, in collaboration with NASA’s Science Activation Program, joined forces with experienced BHS staff, including an educator from the Mi’kmaq community of Nova Scotia. Together, they delivered enriching educational experiences for the children.
A Focus on Cultural and Project-Based Learning
BHS aims to address the unique needs of migrant youth by offering “culturally responsive, project-based learning” while helping to prevent summer learning loss and compensating for disruptions to their regular schooling. The migrant families come from Mi’kmaq First Nation communities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as well as from southern states and other areas in Maine, including Passamaquoddy communities in eastern Washington County and a Latino community in the western part of the county.
The families typically stay for two to five weeks during the blueberry harvest season. With support from 4-H educators, the children took part in activities such as surveying the schoolyard for pollinators, studying the anatomy of pollinators and flowers, and learning about the cultural significance of blueberries in Wabanaki traditions.
Building Community and Identity
Gabrielle Brodek, a 4-H professional, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at BHS. “BHS really becomes a home for the children while they are here,” she said. “They are encouraged to be proud of their identity and who they are. It’s a space where teachers and youth speak Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, Spanish, and English, supporting each other while learning and experiencing new things.”
Jason Palomo, another 4-H professional, reflected on his second year working with BHS. “I loved seeing the returning faces of the kids,” he said. “The kids remember you, hug you, and are sad when the season is over and BHS ends.”
Educational Activities and Resources
The children’s activities were inspired by a range of educational resources, including NASA Climate Kids, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s “Bees, Blueberries, and Climate Change” learning module, and materials from National 4-H and Maine Agriculture in the Classroom. On the final day of the program, the children learned to make natural dye from blueberries, a tradition in Native American culture.
These partnerships and activities will continue to strengthen, with organizations planning for an even bigger and more engaging Summer 2025 program.
About the Learning Ecosystems Northeast Project
The Learning Ecosystems Northeast project is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement NNX16AB94A as part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. This initiative connects NASA scientists, real-world science content, and community leaders to engage young learners in meaningful scientific experiences.
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