A Comparison of Canadian Maritime and Maine Students´ Understanding of the Gulf of Maine

This study compares Canadian and American students´ understanding of marine science and natural resources in the Gulf of Maine. The results of a previous study of public school students in Maine are compared to a representative sample of public school students in New Brunswick and Newfoundland, Canada. Research methodologies involving student interviews and analysis of student conceptual frameworks are identical between studies. Student knowledge is classified according to correct concepts, missing concepts, and common misconceptions. Similarities and differences between grade level are analyzed and compared between countries and geographic region. The results of this study extend our knowledge of student understanding of marine science and natural resources.