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School Field Trips and Group Programs |
 Our Florida adventures are focused on science conservation. Participants are exposed to a variety of experiences, such as snorkeling, canoeing, guided nature walks and hands-on discovery at parks and science facilities throughout the state. Through a series of inquests and critical thinking activities, the students must develop a sense of the “big picture” and investigate future careers in science.
Nature’s Academy can customize these programs to meet any of your needs. We can combine multiple programs to design a custom itinerary that spans from one to several days. Nature’s Academy works closely with several tour/travel operators throughout the state who can facilitate the logistics of travel, overnight programs and meals.
All Nature's Academy programs are aligned with both National Education and Sunshine State Standards.
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Location: Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas County |
 Explore the historical and natural wonders of this barrier island through a series of nature walks, kayak tours, and snorkel adventures. Students will traverse a cross-section of Florida wildlife as they travel from the highest elevation on the island, down through the mangrove forests and plunge into the seagrass beds that thrive below sea level. The concept of biodiversity and keystone species will be introduced and the consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation discussed. Students will explore the role of fire in Florida’s habitats while searching for endangered species such as the gopher tortoise, scrub jay and Florida mouse. Next, the students will embark on a kayak tour of the mangroves where they will unlock the mysteries of this enchanted forest. Participants fully immerse themselves in this wetlands system as they snorkel among the mangrove roots and seagrass beds. The ecological and economic importance of these habitats will be explored while searching for birds, invertebrates, sting rays and fish. Scientific taxonomy will be emphasized through the collection of a diverse array of marine invertebrates by students and leaders alike. Finally, the ecological concept of “form fits function” will be explored through a hands-on shark dissection activity.
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Climb on board a journey beyond the boundaries of Earth! Be an aerospace engineer, airline pilot, astronaut and astronomer in this exciting program that allows you to try it all! First, the history and evolution of flight will be explored. Next, students will grasp Bernoulli’s principle as they master the physics of flight using kites and radio-controlled aircraft. Participants will soar out of this universe as they discover life beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The challenges of space exploration will be discussed. Students will use their previous flight training to understand the physics of flight in outer space. Students will launch rockets, build comets and gaze at the stars and planets though telescopes to conclude this out of the universe experience!
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Location: Caladesi Island, Pinellas County |
 Students will explore one of Florida’s completely natural islands while grasping the concept of ecology. First, they will study physical and chemical oceanography to gain a better understanding of the ocean environment. Participants become real scientists as they measure ocean currents and waves and determine the salinity, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen content of seawater. We will provide a data log which will be used to track their research findings. Next, students embark on a beach hike which includes coastal plant identification, birding and zonation studies. Participants will use critical thinking skills to draw parallels between the environment and its associated communities. In conclusion, threats to this unique habitat will be discussed and possible solutions explored.
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Location: Lido Beach, Sarasota County |
 Florida supports approximately 90% of all sea turtle nests in North America. Students will discover the plight of the endangered sea turtle by engaging in a mock turtle stranding recovery. The life history of turtles will be explored and major threats to their populations identified. Participants will be trained in the techniques of the Sea Turtle Standing and Salvage Network and future conservation measures explored. Finally, students will study astronomy with telescopes while taking a night hike along the beach in search of turtle nests.
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Location: Myakka River State Park, Manatee and Sarasota Counties |
 Travel through the serene wetlands as the Native American Indians once did by canoe. Students will follow this blackwater river bordered by hammock and marsh communities in search of tens of thousands of small creatures, such as blue darner dragonflies and multi-eyed horseflies. Additionally, this river hosts rookeries for the endangered woodstork, the roseate spoonbill and the sandhill crane. Students may even catch a glimpse of the rarely seen “salsa” mating dance of the sandhill crane. Participants will also discuss the indigenous peoples’ uses of plants for transportation, shelter, food and medicine.
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Location: Various State and County Parks |
 In this adventure trek participants will explore just what we mean by the word wetlands – as we investigate what makes these soggy habitats so special. Build a wetland model, discover mangroves, and get a real taste for the wetlands by sampling some tasty wetland treats. Then, prepare to get your feet wet as you journey into one of Florida’s most beautiful and unique ecosystems. Students will explore this bald cypress forest first hand on a swamp walk and discover the epiphytic community. They will learn the importance of endemic species and witness wild orchids, ferns and bromeliads - some which are found only in the wetlands. Participants will use the scientific method to collect, preserve and identify botanical samples. Additionally, students will measure the diversity index of the area and gain a better understanding of how environmental stability affects the diversity of the community.
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Location: Anhinga Trail – Everglades National Park, Miami-Dade County |
 Participants will discover the flora and fauna along the half-mile trail over Taylor Slough, one of the two natural “rivers” that flows through the Everglades. They will discover the significance of this World Heritage Site and discuss the importance of conservation of this unique wetlands system. Students will discuss the seasons of change in south Florida, the hydroperiod reversal phenomenon and the challenging role South Florida Water Management District plays in overseeing the timing, quality, quantity and location of water distribution. Participants will learn the life history of the endangered Florida panther and engage in a tracking activity used to locate the last few remaining animals.
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Location: Key Largo, Monroe County |
 Students will dive into the mysterious world of the third largest coral reef found in the world. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to over 2800 square nautical miles of seagrass beds, mangrove forests, coral reefs and shipwrecks. Participants will discover the connectivity of these fragile systems through a series of power point presentations, snorkel sessions and hands-on diversity studies. Additional highlights include birding, fish identification, stargazing and plankton identification. In collaboration with the Mel Fisher Foundation, students will learn the history of shipwrecks along the Florida coast and the science behind artifact retrieval and preservation.
Advanced option includes the opportunity to experience life as a true marine biologist! Utilize SCUBA techniques to perform benthic zonation studies for ReefCheck and fish identification surveys for REEF, both non-profit research and environmental education organizations. Data collected will be transcribed and submitted for use in real marine science research. SCUBA certification is required.
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Location: Sweetwater Organic Farm, Hillsborough County |
 Come join us for a hands–on CSI activity focused on the environment! Participants will discover how humans have altered the earth and investigate solutions to global problems such as oil spills, acid rain, industrial agriculture and climate change. An interactive tour of a working organic farm will introduce students to green alternatives and include tasty samples! Students will be trained as environmental forensic scientists and then be tasked with determining the source of pollution in a hypothetical town and creek. Organic Earth will challenge participants to become more green and promote sustainability – both locally and globally.
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