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SAVANNAS PRESERVE - The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) today joined officials
from St. Lucie County Schools, Battelle Florida, Florida
Power and Light, the Savannas Preserve State Park
Community Service Organization (CSO) and seventh graders
from St. Lucie County to open a new Learning in
Florida’s Environment (LIFE) program site. Located at
Savannas Preserve State Park, the LIFE site will provide
students with an opportunity to experience science
education outside the classroom.
“Since its inception in 2004, almost 1,500 students
have participated in the LIFE program,” said DEP
Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “The new LIFE site in St.
Lucie County will allow local students and teachers to
learn about and explore science in a natural Florida
environment.”
Eight teachers and 112 students from Northport K-8
School participated in the day’s activities. They
conducted three field labs about water quality and the
transformation of sunlight into green vegetative
coloring.
As part of the program, DEP will provide equipment
and professional development opportunities for teachers.
Students will be encouraged to learn more about
Florida’s environment, while improving their
understanding of math and science.
In addition to the primary partners, Battelle
Florida, a science research company, will provide
financial support to cover transportation, equipment and
substitute teacher costs during the first year of the
program. Furthermore, Florida Power and Light will
assist in the development of photosynthesis labs.
Savannas Preserve State Park, the largest and most
intact remnant of Florida's east coast savannas,
stretches more than 10 miles from Ft. Pierce to Jensen
Beach. As freshwater marshes, the wetlands are home to
many endangered species including bald eagles, scrub
jays and sandhill cranes. The state park also features
activities such as bird watching and multi-use trails.
The LIFE initiative seeks to establish a series of
field-based, environmental-science education programs
around the state. Each of the five existing programs is
a partnership between the DEP and a local school
district. The goal of each LIFE program is increased
student achievement and teacher professional development
in science, with the content and delivery varying from
site to site.
For more information about the LIFE program, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ed/default.htm. | 
