6-12 Experiences

This immersive marine education field trip offers students a unique combination of laboratory learning and in-the-field exploration, designed to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of coastal ecosystems. Participants can customize their experience by choosing from a variety of hands-on activities, including the Pelagic Problem Solvers lab, where students examine microplastics and microfibers to learn about human impacts on the environment. The Squid Dissection lab provides an engaging opportunity to study squid anatomy and marine species, while the Biodiversity Beach Trek allows students to explore barrier islands, tides, and the habitats of nesting animals. The Coastal Trek Field Guide Experience immerses students in the dune ecosystem, encouraging observation and the creation of personalized field guides. A guided tour of the outdoor sea turtle hospital complements the experience, showcasing conservation methods and giving insight into the care and rehabilitation of sea turtles. Programs are aligned to Florida’s State Academic Standards for Science and can be built for one and a half or two-hour sessions, ensuring a structured yet flexible learning environment.

This field trip is suitable for schools and groups, with maximum student capacity and chaperone requirements in place to ensure safety and engagement. Students receive expert instruction from trained educators and have access to all necessary laboratory and field equipment. While teachers attend free of charge, additional adults can join at a nominal fee. Optional self-guided exploration is available for those who do not choose the guided tour. The program emphasizes active participation, observation, and real-world science skills, making it an enriching and memorable experience for all participants.