Students Learn about LIFE at Honeymoon Island State Park

Approximately 100 seventh grade students took on the role of scientists over a three-day field course held at Honeymoon Island State Park’s new Rotary Centennial Nature Center. Both teachers and students from Clearwater’s John F. Kennedy Middle School participated in the LIFE – Learning in Florida’s Environment -- program, taking science education out of the classroom and into an outdoor natural environment.

Three field lab stations addressing topics prioritized by the participating teachers and developed by DEP’s Office of Environmental Education were set up in the Center. Each lab used natural resources and ecosystems found within the park to illustrate important concepts and principles in life and environmental science using hands-on learning techniques and the same scientific instruments used by professional scientists.

In the first lab, students calculated volume, mass, weight, time and temperature by measuring in scientific units. A second lab provided microscopes for the students to examine leaves and count and compare the number of stomata -- specialized cells that allow gas and water in and out of the leaves. In the third lab, students used quantitative and qualitative observation skills to make conclusions about various objects such as trees and plants along the nature trail.

The trip was the first of four that the students will make to Honeymoon Island State Park during the 2007/2008 school year to participate in the fun and unique study program. As part of the curriculum, DEP will provide the equipment and professional assistance to teachers while encouraging students to learn more about Florida’s environment and improving their understanding of math and science.

The LIFE initiative seeks to establish a series of field-based, environmental science education programs throughout the state giving students an alternative learning opportunity. The goals of the LIFE program are to increase student achievement, assist teachers with professional development in science-related studies, enhance participation of underserved and under-represented populations and promote stewardship of public lands.

Since 2004, more than 2,700 future scientists and stewards have participated in the LIFE program. Each of the nine existing programs is an example of a successful partnership between DEP and the local school districts.

For more information on DEP’s LIFE program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ed.