MDC

Students identify fish in Biscayne Bay.

BISCAYNE EXPLORER: WILDLIFE INVENTORY AND NATURE STUDY
Biscayne Explorer: Wildlife Inventory and Nature Study is a standards-based, ranger-led program that brings science and scientific methods to life. This program affords students with the opportunity to perform many of the same tasks as National Park scientists, inlcuding water quality testing, monitoring coral growth and inventorying wildlife. Species identification and surveying are critical responsibilities that help to ensure proper management of natural resources. 

Upon your arrival to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, your class will be greeted by a National Park ranger who will provide your group with a brief orientation. The Ranger will then lead your class along six activity stations. (Large groups will need teachers and chaperones to lead, as well as the park ranger.) Students will test water samples, make a food web with real specimens and even learn about the park's coral reef nursery. Utilizing identification cards, students will also identify and inventory the wildlife that they see. The students will record all of their findings into a workbook which can be taken back to the classroom for further study, discussion, or counted towards a grade.  Biscayne Explorer: Wildlife Inventory Curriculum Materials can now be viewed online!

Grades: 4th-7th Grade
Ranger Led: Yes
Standards based: Yes                    
Sunshine State: SC.F.1.2, SC.F.2.2,SC.G.1.2, SC.H.1.2
Group size: Maximum 96 students
     Minimum 15 students
Chaperones: 1 per every 10 students
Program Dates: November-April
Teacher workshop required: No
School’s responsibility: Transportation to Dante Fascell Visitor Center and lunch
Park's responsibility: Ranger and program supplies
Program Length: 4 hours (including lunch)
To register: Mail or fax in the Explorer Registration Form.
For more information: call (305)230-7275 x 08