Cuttyhunk STEAM Academy - An Island Classroom

09/23/2026

🌊 From Source to Shore: Marine Debris STEAM Educator Institute

What an incredible two days of learning, investigating, and connecting on Cuttyhunk!

Educators joined us for a hands-on exploration of marine debris through shoreline field investigations, data collection and interpretation, ecological inquiry, behavior and prevention, and an evening Art + Innovation Lab. Throughout the Institute, we followed one central idea: Everything is connected.

A special thank you to our guest educators Laura Ludwig, Susan Bryant, and Jackie Ranney, and to all of the educators who made the journey to Cuttyhunk and brought their curiosity, ideas, and enthusiasm!

The Institute was made possible with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

A great group, a remarkable island classroom, and lots of ideas to carry back to students and communities.

08/05/2026

Explore the island you love... one clue at a time.
Gather your family, friends, or neighbors and join us for Cuttyhunk Quest: A STEAM Scavenger Hunt! Follow clues, solve challenges, and discover the hidden wonders of Cuttyhunk while supporting the Cuttyhunk STEAM Academy. Great for all ages—and awesome prizes await the top three teams!

07/30/2026

07/24/2026

Last Sunday, several families joined in the Hook, Line & Crab Challenge. In just under 2 hours, over 100 invasive European Green Crabs and approximately 5 invasive Asian Shore Crabs were caught compared to one Blue Crab and one Spider crab (native crabs which were released). Approximately 40 of those were female. If they had an opportunity to reproduce, over 7 million crabs would hatch. If only 10% survived into adulthood, that is still 700,000 new invasive crabs! If this doesn't concern you, it should. Invasive crabs can decimate the local shellfish population. Over the weekend, a bucket will be placed by the fish table to collect any invasive crabs you catch. It will be cleared frequently. Unless anyone is interested in making a sauce, a broth, or a bisque with the crabs, they will be composted. Reach out if you have any questions or would like to help. The photo below shows the underside of a European Green crab. The crab to the left is male (narrow triangle apron), the crab to the right is female (wider triangle apron). Second photo -Female crab with a clutch from this spring. Thank you! First Photo courtesy of E. Waddington.

07/23/2026

Check out this new program collaboration with the Cuttyhunk Yacht Club this summer!

06/24/2026

Just spent the morning at New Bedford High School installing a display of our year-long project with Mrs. Gifford's AP Environmental Science classes. The project involved the removal of a phragmites (invasive) stand, restoring a salt marsh area, and using them as resource material in an innovative way. The project will continue into next year as we ensure the phragmites have been eradicated from this space and the salt marsh area restored. Funding for this project was provided through the Cuttyhunk STEAM Academy, MIT Sea Grant STREAM Grant and the SNEP Mini-Grant Programs.