Florida's Emerald Coast Marine Science Program

During this school trip to the Emerald Coast students will discover the fragile ecosystems of Florida's coastal dune lakes. These coastal dune lakes are some of the rarest in the world and provide habitat to an abundance of marine organisms. The Nature Conservancy stated that Northwest Florida is one of the nation’s top ten “Hot Spots” for ecological diversity. It is home to a variety of unique ecosystems and contains more species of plants and animals than any other comparable region in the country. On this marine science school trip students will be able to work along side biologists at the National Marine Fishery Service (NMFS) and learn about ongoing research with sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of marine wildlife. Additionally, while on this school science trip to Northwest Florida, students will be able to learn about marine mammals in their natural habitats and may even be able to swim with wild dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico.

Core Curriculum:

Our core curriculum consists of the study of coastal dune lakes, seagrass analysis, marine mammal ecology, shark biology, invertebrate labs, as well as service-learning activities. Evening programs include astronomy, night wades, and shark studies.

Coastal Dune Lake Studies

Only a few places in the world have these rare coastal dune lakes. New Zealand's Northland, Australia's Queensland, Madagascar, and Florida's Northwest Gulf Coast. Because of this incredibly rare phenomenon they are worth exploring. The lakes are generally permanent water bodies, although water levels may fluctuate substantially due to rain, groundwater seepage through the surrounding coastal sands, and storms. Sand dunes ranging in height from a few feet to more than 30 feet separate the lakes from the Gulf of Mexico. School groups that are studying marine biology will partake in net pulls and species identification of organisms that inhabit this environment.

Seagrass Ecology

Seagrass beds are a commercially crucial habitat where spiny lobster, stone crabs, and baitfish abound. Participants learn about grass beds and their importance as nursery systems for a variety of organisms that make the coral reef their home. Through a snorkeling adventure students will collect organisms and identify them according to their phylum. 

Dolphin Studies

This program is highly diverse and ranges from studies of behavior, ecology, taxonomy, and communication of these marine mammals. These studies are aimed at giving students a better understanding of these animals with regards to habitats, breeding, pod interaction, and feeding behavior.

Shark Ecology

The Appleseed shark research program, includes shark biology, ecology, and behavior. In addition, our naturalists promote shark conservation and education. School groups that are studying marine biology in Northwest Florida may be able to help scientists at the National Marine Fisheries Service with shark analysis and tagging of these marine predators.

Invertebrate Lab

We will introduce marine invertebrates with a discussion that will include identification and diversity, as it relates to stability and health. Participants will dissect and learn about the biology of squid and how their design is perfect for their specific ecological niche.

Service Learning

Participants will be able to volunteer in a variety of service-based programs. The emphasis of the service opportunity is to show students how an affinity for science can be used to positively impact communities. Opportunities include volunteering at Camp Helen State Park and the NMFS laboratory.

• Trip Highlights Include:

• •  A catamaran snorkeling trip
  

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•  Exploring and preserving the dune habitats of Camp Helen State Park 

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• and more...

To view a more detailed itinerary please click: 

Emerald Coast 3-day (740 KB)