August 2, 2005

The Web of LIFE

Two new updates have been added recently to the LIFE Program Web site. Twelve field labs developed by the LIFE-ANERR (Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve) Program are now available (click here to go to the field labs) for use by formal or non-formal educators. The field labs (or field investigations) are cross referenced by title, ecosystem, equipment and topic. Additional field labs will be added as they are developed and refined by the new LIFE Program sites. A new LIFE Program PowerPoint presentation is also available on-line.

Summer LIFE for Teachers

Curriculum Integration Workshops for teachers are in full swing this summer. The Apalachicola and Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserves (Franklin and St. Johns counties) recently completed summer workshops to refine field labs and plan for the upcoming school year. A total of 17 teachers participated in the two workshops (Left: Teachers from the LIFE - GTMNERR Program, practice a LIFE Field Lab that will allow students to identify plant species using quadrats along a transect in the marsh). In addition, three teachers participated for the first time in the SEMESTER@DEP component of the LIFE Program which provides short term (4-8 week) internships for teachers to conduct research alongside DEP staff.

LIFE in Hurricane Season

The LIFE-Wakulla Springs Service Learning Program (Wakulla County) was delayed but not deterred by Hurricane Dennis. Teachers from Riversprings Middle School together with partners from Wakulla Springs State Park, Florida State University and Leon County Extension (UF-IFAS) began their curriculum integration activities at Wakulla Springs State Park by examining the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Protocols for the hydrologic investigations that will be the focus of this program. Dr. Dave LaHart led the In-service workshop and shared news that the teachers’ Service Learning Project Proposal has been recommended and pre-approved for funding. The LIFE-Wakulla Springs Service Learning Program will emphasize the use of the cascade learning (i.e., older students teaching younger students), increased use of the internet for student portfolios, and student outreach to the community.

LIFE Events

July 14, 28, & 29: LIFE-Wakulla Springs will continue its In-Service Program with teachers from Riversprings Middle School (Wakulla County) led by Dr. Dave LaHart with input from William Sheftall (Leon County Extension). July 25, 26, 29, and August 1: The LIFE – Ichetucknee Springs Program will conduct its Curriculum Integration Workshop with Teachers from Fort White High School (Columbia County). July 21 & 22: Project WET Facilitators’ Training at Stephen Foster State Park. Contact Jenny Dambek for more information (850/245-2906; Jenny.Dambek@dep.state.fl.us).