It’s All About LIFE

Since the first LIFE (Learning in Florida’s Environment) program in 2004 at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve nearly 5,000 future scientists have participated in these unique field-based education programs. Each of the 10 partnership programs (with two more partnerships expected by January) between the Department (DEP) and local school districts focus on increasing student achievement through hands-on and minds-on inquiry based science labs while assisting teachers with the curriculum.

In July 2008, the Office of Environmental Education conducted a three-day “curriculum integration workshop” for Okaloosa County School district teachers regarding the Choctawhatchee Bay watershed. With a strong emphasis on Nonpoint Source (NPS) pollution, water quality testing and monitoring, the teachers participated in field labs, including a canoe trip into the Rocky Bayou. A presentation incorporating Florida Yards and Neighborhoods principles along with training on the Healthy Water, Healthy People curriculum rounded out the workshop. Students from Destin and Richbourg Middle Schools will be participating in their first set of field experiences in early December.

This past summer, the DEP hosted 24 teachers for hands-on research projects as part of the Panhandle Area Education Consortium’s Science Collaboration: Immersion, Inquiry Innovation (Sc:iii) Proiect. A grant from the Department of Education enabled 120 teachers to conduct hands-on research and monitoring alongside scientists, resource managers and environmental specialists. Three of the teachers- assigned to DEP’s Office of Environmental Education-developed a water quality monitoring program for the Wakulla Springs springshed, visiting sites where most of Tallahassee’s stormwater resides before making its way to the spring. The program was integrated into the existing LIFE program for seventh graders at Riversprings Middle School this school year. For more information on the Sc:iii project, visit www.paec-sc-iii.org.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, the latest LIFE location for students from Chasco Middle School in Pasco County, feels the affects of stormwater runoff from surrounding commercial establishments. With continued funding through the DEP Springs Initiative, students can learn about area springs, water quality, groundwater, karst topography and hydrogeology. This program differs from others as the teachers participate in a multidisciplinary teaching “pod” and will stay with the same students for three years. The program will involve water quality testing and monitoring within the springshed to increase stewardship and bring awareness to the importance of springs. Students have participated in their first set of field labs and will enter water quality data on the World Water Monitoring Day website.

There is a need for real world opportunities that challenge and engage students in rigorous and service-oriented experiences. Watershed-based programs that connect the formal education system with nonformal educational experiences in the community provide a clear partnership that benefits students, teachers and the environment. For more information about the LIFE program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ed/.