Core Curriculum:

Our core curriculum consists of fossil studies, river habitats, endemic species identification, and service learning.

Fossil Studies

The Peace River near Arcadia, FL contains a wealth of marine and Ice Age land fossils. The marine fossils, which date from the Miocene period throught the Pliocene period, known as the Ice Ages, commonly found include shark, giant carcharodon (megalodon) shark, ray, pufferfish, barracuda, dolphin, dugong (manatee), whale, etc. Land fossils, primarily from the Ice Age as Florida was submerged until then, commonly found include horse, camel, glyptodont, alligator, bird, turtle, snake, deer, and mastodon. Students will have the opportunity to search for fossils and then discuss their finds.

Species Identification

The river is home to a vast array of plants and animals that have adapted to an ever changing environment. Some creatures such as the alligator, blue heron, and West Indian manatee have become symbols of a struggling ecosystem. Students on a school trip to the Peace River will learn about and identify many species that are found in the region.

River Habitats

The mosaic of habitats found along the Peace River ecosystems support a wide variety of plant and animal species. The students will have the opportunity to explore the river from above and below. On a school field trip to the Peace River students will learn about these habitats and how they must be preserved to maintain a healthy balance in this ecosystem.

Science and 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.