A Florida Experience

Geologic and Prehistoric Florida, Paleontology, Endangered Ecosystems, Everglades, Mangrove, Seagrass Ecology, Coral Reef Diversity, and Marine Mammal Conservation

Central Florida and The Keys

Journey south from Central Florida to the Everglades and Florida Bay, ending at the beautiful coral reefs in Key Largo!

Students study Florida’s geologic history and examine the flow of water through many ecosystems, and document how water connects all ecosystems from the northern most stretch of the Everglades to the coral reefs.

Traveling through Central Florida on this educational field trip, students arrive at Archbold Biological Research Station. Lying within the headwaters of the Everglades in south central Florida, Archbold Biological Station is a scientific resource for field study of the natural environment. Working in journals student groups document the conservation solutions across a diverse ecosystem ranging from pristine ancient sand dunes of Lake Wales Ridge to the wetlands and wildlife of the vast open ranchlands lying within the watershed. Encounter the wonders of the endangered Florida scrub and its endemic plants and animals found nowhere else on earth, including the captivating scrub jay. Continuing the field trip, students travel to the historic town of Arcadia, established in 1883 and the end of the Florida Southern Railway. At Joshua Creek discover Florida’s ancient past while fossil hunting for prehistoric fossils. Due to the unique geological characteristics of the Bone Valley region and the abundance of phosphate, students find fossils preserved with amazing detail and color. As paleontologists, student groups work together and dig in the creek in search of treasures, finding prehistoric fossilized shark teeth, manatee rib bones, and native American artifacts. Using Journals, students identify treasures found on the fossil hunting expedition at Joshua Creek, Arcadia. Arrive at University of Florida Camp Cloverleaf 4-H campsite and settle into cabins. In the evening around the campfire, students participate in a vision quest experience, a very important traditional Native American rite of passage, before ending with delicious s’mores. Snug in cabins, students reflect on the day spent exploring Central Florida.

Student groups visit Highlands Hammock State Park, one of Florida´s oldest parks, opening to the public in 1931. Students tour the museum and learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which was established during the Great Depression, just prior to World War II. The CCC is recognized as the single greatest conservation program in America and responsible for developing infrastructure for an estimated 800 parks across the nation. Exploring Highland Hammock State Park students hike beneath towering oaks and native palms, through old-growth hammocks transitioning to a cypress swamp. On an elevated boardwalk, student groups traverse through the cypress swamp searching for alligators, snakes, birds, and other wildlife. In Arcadia, the field trip fossil hunting adventure continues at the famous Peace River! Student groups canoe down the Peace River, spotting turtles, egrets, herons, and the occasional swallow-tail kite soaring above, in search of perfect gravel beds containing fossilized shark teeth and prehistoric animal bones. Using Journals, students identify the diversity of shark teeth and abundant marine and mammal fossils found in both the Peace River and Joshua Creek. Selecting a fossilized shark tooth and make a charm to be worn as necklace. Evening campfire sharing stories and ending with s’mores. In cabins, students prepare for and early morning departure.

Travel south to the Miccosukee Indian Village, an authentic educational opportunity to learn about the Miccosukee tribe that calls the Everglades their home. Tour the exhibits highlighting the historical and contemporary history of the Miccosukee tribe. Watching the alligator demonstration, a centuries-old tradition and ritual, students understand the importance of this historical practice as an important resource for the Miccosukee survival in the Everglades. Glide through the River of Grass on a Miccosukee airboat ride spotting alligators and birds along the way. Arrive at a typical hammock-style camp that has been owned by the same family for more than 100 years and get a glimpse into traditional Miccosukee life. At Everglades National Park Shark Valley, student groups board a tram for a 2-hour narrated tour that travels through the heart of the freshwater marsh on a paved 15-mile loop road into the Shark River Slough geological formation. Observing wildlife along the way, students identify alligators, anhingas, rosette spoonbills, and nesting herons. Arriving in Key Largo, at Dolphin’s Plus Bayside, participate in a hands-on Invertebrate Touch Tank. An opportunity to examine up close the local marine flora and fauna that call Florida Bay home. At the Squid Dissection Lab, student groups examine the unique soft bodied mollusks that evolved to adopt a predatory lifestyle. Discover the importance of these animals and their relationship to the food chain, including many marine mammals. Evening exploration brings students to the star gazing astronomy presentation before heading to comfortable hotel rooms resting for the next day’s Florida Keys adventure.

Continuing the field trip in Key Largo, students embark on a kayak adventure exploring the estuarine ecosystem. Groups paddle through mangrove tunnels and observe submerged seagrass habitats, home to a rich and diverse assemblage of animals. Through the calm nutrient rich waters of the estuary, view sponges, algae, corals, snappers, stingrays, and even the occasional small bonnet head shark. Student groups are provided with the educational opportunity to better understand the conservation efforts between human activities and estuary communities. The Florida Keys adventure continues students continue down to Marathon and arrive at Crane Point Museum, Nature Trails and Historic Site. Student groups explore one of the few remaining sub-tropical thatch palm hammocks in North America and discover the Adderley Historic site, the oldest house in the Florida Keys outside of Key West. At the hotel, working in journals, student groups better prepare for snorkeling, with an educational Coral Reef Ecology and Fish Identification class.

Entering John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States, students get ready for a snorkeling adventure. Student groups snorkel in the clear blue waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary identifying a variety of corals and associated marine life. Snorkelers dive down to get a closer look at snappers, hogfish, groupers, queen angelfish, parrotfish, and the elusive spotted eel, while discovering the many different species of hard and soft corals. Continue the field trip with the History of the Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West. Final stop at the famed “Robert is Here” local fruit stand in Homestead. This family owned and operated farm has hundreds of different types of fruits, mostly grown locally, and famous fruit smoothies made fresh on site.

Journey home with a better understanding of Florida’s Geologic History, the Everglades, Marine and Mangrove ecology, and the ever-changing dynamics of conservation throughout Florida.

INSTRUCTORS ARE:

Experienced and professional
Required to complete an intensive on-site training program
Present the program material in a way that makes it come to life
Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR certified
FDLE and FBI Level 2 Background Checked
ASAP-Camp Safety Certified

OUR PROGRAMS BUILD…

Self-confidence
Self-reliance
Teamwork
Friendships
Leadership skills
A “can do” attitude

OUR FIELD TRIPS INCLUDE:

Certified instructors
All meals and snacks-full day and overnight trips
Activity fees
All equipment
Transportation
Educational journals
Bus activities
Accommodations-overnight trips

FLEXIBILITY AND CUSTOMIZATION:

Each trip is carefully planned to provide an educational and memorable experience
All programs can be custom tailored to meet your school’s individual needs
Level of instruction varies based on grade level.
All programs are taught using a fun, interdisciplinary and hands-on approach
Local history is incorporated into the learning experience
Scholarships available so no student gets left behind

Florida State Standards following Grades 5-12

Students will:

understand how building projects affect both people living in the Everglades area and the natural KLOE system
- SC.7.E.6.6 Identify the impact that humans have had on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air and water quality, changing the flow of water.
  
  SC.8.N.4.1 Explain that science is one of the processes that can be used to inform decision making at the community, state, national, and international levels.
  
  SS.8.G.5.2 Describe the impact of human modifications on the physical environment and ecosystems of the United States throughout history.
  
  SC.912.L.17.19 Describe how different natural resources are produced and how their rates of use and renewal limit availability.
  
  SC.912.L.17.20 Predict the impact of individuals on environmental systems and examine how human lifestyles affect sustainability.
  
  SS.912.G.5.6 Analyze case studies to predict how a change to an environmental factor can affect an ecosystem.
  
  SS.912.G.5.6 Analyze case studies to predict how a change to an environmental factor can affect an ecosystem.
understand some characteristics of flora and fauna observed in the springs ecosystem and how they are structurally and functionally similar and different
- SC.5.L.14.2 Compare and contrast the function of organs and other physical structures of plants and animals, including humans, for example: some animals have skeletons for support — some with internal skeletons others with exoskeletons — while some plants have stems for support.
  
  SC.5.L.17.1 Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycles variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
  
  SC.6.L.15.1 Analyze and describe how and why organisms are classified according to shared characteristics with emphasis on the Linnaean system combined with the concept of Domains.
  
  SC.912.L.17.6 Compare and contrast the relationships among organisms, including predation, parasitism, competition, commensalism, and mutualism.
learn how a changes in water and habitat affect the manatee’s ability to reproduce and thrive and why they have become endangered
learn how a change in water levels can affect an organism’s ability to reproduce and thrive in this ecosystem
- SC.7.E.6.6 Identify the impact that humans have had on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air and water quality, changing the flow of water.
  
  SC.8.N.4.1 Explain that science is one of the processes that can be used to inform decision making at the community, state, national, and international levels.
  
  SS.8.G.5.2 Describe the impact of human modifications on the physical environment and ecosystems of the United States throughout history.
  
  SC.912.L.17.19 Describe how different natural resources are produced and how their rates of use and renewal limit availability.
  
  SC.912.L.17.20 Predict the impact of individuals on environmental systems and examine how human lifestyles affect sustainability.
  
  SS.912.G.5.6 Analyze case studies to predict how a change to an environmental factor can affect an ecosystem.
understand the link between decreased water levels in the springs and human consumption of fresh water, understand the link between human action and natural resource depletion/ endangered animals
- SS.5.C.2.5 Identify ways good citizens go beyond basic civic and political responsibilities to improve government and society.
  
  SS.6.G.3.2 Analyze the impact of human populations on the ancient world’s ecosystems.
  
  SC.8.N.4.2 Explain how political, social, and economic concerns can affect science, and vice versa.
  
  SS.8.G.5.1 Describe human dependence on the physical environment and natural resources to satisfy basic needs in local environments in the United States.
  
  SC.912.L.17.11 Evaluate the costs and benefits of renewable and nonrenewable resources, such as water, energy, fossil fuels, wildlife, and forests.
  
  SC.912.L.17.12 Discuss the political, social, and environmental consequences of sustainable use of land.
  
  SC.912.L.17.13 Discuss the need for adequate monitoring of environmental parameters when making policy decisions.
  
  SC.912.L.17.15 Discuss the effects of technology on environmental quality.
  
  SC.912.L.17.16 Discuss the large-scale environmental impacts resulting from human activity, including waste spills, oil spills, runoff, greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and surface and groundwater pollution.
  
  SC.912.L.17.18 Describe how human population size and resource use relate to environmental quality.
  
  SS.912.C.2.4 Evaluate, take, and defend positions on issues that cause the government to balance the interests of individuals with the public good.
  
  SS.912.C.2.8 Analyze the impact of citizen participation as a means of achieving political and social change.
  
  SS.912.G.2.5 Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of debates over how human actions modify a selected region.
  
  SS.912.G.3.3 Use geographic terms and tools to explain differing perspectives on the use of renewable and non-renewable resources in Florida, the United States, and the world.
  
  SS.912.G.5.2 Analyze case studies of how changes in the physical environment of a place can increase or diminish its capacity to support human activity.
  
  SS.912.G.5.4 Analyze case studies of how humans impact the diversity and productivity of ecosystems.
learn that organisms living in the fresh water springs thrive there because of its unique qualities, which include a constant temperature
- SC.7.L.15.2 Explore the scientific theory of evolution by recognizing and explaining ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and diversity of organisms.
  
  SC.7.L.15.3 Explore the scientific theory of evolution by relating how the inability of a species to adapt within a changing environment may contribute to the extinction of that species.
understand the force and predictability of the underground water source that feeds the Springs and keeps them at a constant temperature
- SS.912.G.3.5 Use geographic terms and tools to explain how hydrology influences the physical character of a place.
understand what influences the water cycle in South Florida and how this relates both to them and the bigger picture
- SC.7.E.6.6 Identify the impact that humans have had on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air and water quality, changing the flow of water.
  
  SC.8.N.4.1 Explain that science is one of the processes that can be used to inform decision making at the community, state, national, and international levels.
  
  SS.8.G.5.1 Describe human dependence on the physical environment and natural resources to satisfy basic needs in local environments in the United States.
  
  SS.8.G.5.2 Describe the impact of human modifications on the physical environment and ecosystems of the United States throughout history.
  
  SC.912.E.7.8 Explain how various atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic conditions in Florida have influenced and can influence human behavior, both individually and collectively.
  
  SC.912.L.17.11 Evaluate the costs and benefits of renewable and nonrenewable resources, such as water, energy, fossil fuels, wildlife, and forests.
learn the basic features of Karst topography, sinkholes for example- how and why they are formed and how to recognize them
- SC.6.E.6.1 Describe and give examples of ways in which Earth’s surface is built up and torn down by physical and chemical weathering, erosion, and deposition.
  
  SC.6.E.6.2 Recognize that there are a variety of different landforms on Earth’s surface such as coastlines, dunes, rivers, mountains, glaciers, deltas, and lakes and relate these landforms as they apply to Florida.
  
  SC.7.E.6.2 Identify the patterns within the rock cycle and relate them to surface events (weathering and erosion) and sub-surface events (plate tectonics and mountain building).
  
  SC.912.E.6.2 Connect surface features to surface processes that are responsible for their formation.
  
  SC.912.E.6.4 Analyze how specific geologic processes and features are expressed in Florida and elsewhere.
  
  SC.912.E.6.5 Describe the geologic development of the present day oceans and identify commonly found features.
identify and understand basic aquatic organisms and their unique structures and functions and how these are related to environmental adaptations, with a focus on those found in springs habitats
- SC.5.L.14.2 Compare and contrast the function of organs and other physical structures of plants and animals, including humans, for example: some animals have skeletons for support — some with internal skeletons others with exoskeletons — while some plants have stems for support.
  
  SC.5.L.17.1 Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycles variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
  
  SC.6.L.15.1 Analyze and describe how and why organisms are classified according to shared characteristics with emphasis on the Linnaean system combined with the concept of Domains.
  
  SC.7.L.16.1 Understand and explain that every organism requires a set of instructions that specifies its traits, that this hereditary information (DNA) contains genes located in the chromosomes of each cell, and that heredity is the passage of these instructions from one generation to another.
  
  SC.7.L.15.2 Explore the scientific theory of evolution by recognizing and explaining ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and diversity of organisms.
  
  SC.7.L.15.3 Explore the scientific theory of evolution by relating how the inability of a species to adapt within a changing environment may contribute to the extinction of that species.
  
  SC.912.L.15.7 Discuss distinguishing characteristics of vertebrate and representative invertebrate phyla, and chordate classes using typical examples.
  
  SC.912.L.17.6 Compare and contrast the relationships among organisms, including predation, parasitism, competition, commensalism, and mutualism.
  
  SC.912.L.17.7 Characterize the biotic and abiotic components that define freshwater systems, marine systems and terrestrial systems.
understand the impact individuals, cultures and group organizations have had on the preservation of natural areas and understand the significance of human actions, including their own, in the protection of natural resources
- SS.5.C.2.5 Identify ways good citizens go beyond basic civic and political responsibilities to improve government and society.
  
  SS.6.G.3.2 Analyze the impact of human populations on the ancient world’s ecosystems.
  
  SC.8.N.4.2 Explain how political, social, and economic concerns can affect science, and vice versa.
  
  SS.8.G.5.1 Describe human dependence on the physical environment and natural resources to satisfy basic needs in local environments in the United States.
  
  SC.912.L.17.11 Evaluate the costs and benefits of renewable and nonrenewable resources, such as water, energy, fossil fuels, wildlife, and forests.
  
  SC.912.L.17.12 Discuss the political, social, and environmental consequences of sustainable use of land.
  
  SC.912.L.17.13 Discuss the need for adequate monitoring of environmental parameters when making policy decisions.
  
  SC.912.L.17.15 Discuss the effects of technology on environmental quality.
  
  SC.912.L.17.16 Discuss the large-scale environmental impacts resulting from human activity, including waste spills, oil spills, runoff, greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and surface and groundwater pollution.
  
  SC.912.L.17.18 Describe how human population size and resource use relate to environmental quality.
  
  SS.912.C.2.4 Evaluate, take, and defend positions on issues that cause the government to balance the interests of individuals with the public good.
  
  SS.912.C.2.8 Analyze the impact of citizen participation as a means of achieving political and social change.
  
  SS.912.G.2.5 Use geographic terms and tools to analyze case studies of debates over how human actions modify a selected region.
  
  SS.912.G.3.3 Use geographic terms and tools to explain differing perspectives on the use of renewable and non-renewable resources in Florida, the United States, and the world.
  
  SS.912.G.5.2 Analyze case studies of how changes in the physical environment of a place can increase or diminish its capacity to support human activity.
  
  SS.912.G.5.4 Analyze case studies of how humans impact the diversity and productivity of ecosystems.
  
  SS.912.C.2.2 Evaluate the importance of political participation and civic participation.
understand that characteristics of flora and fauna observed in the scrub habitat enable the organisms to survive in this ancient and inhospitable place and these specific adaptations have been inherited over many generations
- SC.5.L.14.2 Compare and contrast the function of organs and other physical structures of plants and animals, including humans, for example: some animals have skeletons for support — some with internal skeletons others with exoskeletons — while some plants have stems for support.
  
  SC.5.L.17.1 Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycles variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
  
  SC.6.L.15.1 Analyze and describe how and why organisms are classified according to shared characteristics with emphasis on the Linnaean system combined with the concept of Domains.
  
  SC.7.L.16.1 Understand and explain that every organism requires a set of instructions that specifies its traits, that this hereditary information (DNA) contains genes located in the chromosomes of each cell, and that heredity is the passage of these instructions from one generation to another.
  
  SC.7.L.15.2 Explore the scientific theory of evolution by recognizing and explaining ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and diversity of organisms.
  
  SC.7.L.15.3 Explore the scientific theory of evolution by relating how the inability of a species to adapt within a changing environment may contribute to the extinction of that species.
  
  SC.912.L.15.7 Discuss distinguishing characteristics of vertebrate and representative invertebrate phyla, and chordate classes using typical examples.
  
  SC.912.L.17.6 Compare and contrast the relationships among organisms, including predation, parasitism, competition, commensalism, and mutualism.
  
  SC.912.L.17.7 Characterize the biotic and abiotic components that define freshwater systems, marine systems and terrestrial systems.
learn that organisms living in the xeric scrub have a variety of specific adaptations, both structural and behavioral, that allow them thrive in an area of extreme temperature and lack of water
- SC.7.L.16.1 Understand and explain that every organism requires a set of instructions that specifies its traits, that this hereditary information (DNA) contains genes located in the chromosomes of each cell, and that heredity is the passage of these instructions from one generation to another.
  
  SC.912.L.15.13 Describe the conditions required for natural selection, including: overproduction of offspring, inherited variation, and the struggle to survive, which result in differential reproductive success.
understand the effect the loss and change of the scrub has on the endemic and endangered species that thrive there
- SC.5.L.15.1 Describe how, when the environment changes, differences between individuals allow some plants and animals to survive and reproduce while others die or move to new locations.
  
  SC.5.N.2.1 Recognize and explain that science is grounded in empirical observations that are testable; explanation must always be linked with evidence.
  
  SC.7.N.2.1 Identify an instance from the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed when new evidence or new interpretations are encountered.
  
  SC.7.L.17.3 Describe and investigate various limiting factors in the local ecosystem and their impact on native populations, including food, shelter, water, space, disease, parasitism, predation, and nesting sites.
  
  SC.912.L.17.8 Recognize the consequences of the losses of biodiversity due to catastrophic events, climate changes, human activity, and the introduction of invasive, non-native species.
  
  SS.5.G.3.1 Describe the impact that past natural events have had on human and physical environments in the United States through 1850.
  
  SS.6.G.3.2 Analyze the impact of human populations on the ancient world’s ecosystems.
learn that Florida looked very different in the past and the processes that have shaped the state have produced the prime conditions for the fossilization process
- SC.6.E.6.1 Describe and give examples of ways in which Earth’s surface is built up and torn down by physical and chemical weathering, erosion, and deposition.
  
  SC.6.E.6.2 Recognize that there are a variety of different landforms on Earth’s surface such as coastlines, dunes, rivers, mountains, glaciers, deltas, and lakes and relate these landforms as they apply to Florida.
  
  SC.7.E.6.2 Identify the patterns within the rock cycle and relate them to surface events (weathering and erosion) and sub-surface events (plate tectonics and mountain building).
  
  SC.7.L.15.1 Recognize that fossil evidence is consistent with the scientific theory of evolution that living things evolved from earlier species.
  
  SC.912.E.6.2 Connect surface features to surface processes that are responsible for their formation.
  
  SC.912.E.6.4 Analyze how specific geologic processes and features are expressed in Florida and elsewhere.
  
  SC.912.E.6.5 Describe the geologic development of the present day oceans and identify commonly found features.
understand that the fossilization process involves a chemical change and replacement of minerals under pressure, producing fossils with different properties than the original bones
- SC.912.L.15.1 Explain how the scientific theory of evolution is supported by the fossil record, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology, biogeography, molecular biology, and observed evolutionary change.
  
  SC.912.P.8.2 Differentiate between physical and chemical properties and physical and chemical changes of matter.