Day Programs

outdoor plankton lab
Students use digital microscopes, make wet slides, and identify microorganisms during Plankton Lab activity.

NPS

Biscayne National Park offers a land-based day trip to our Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, Florida called the Explorer Program. This program is offered in fall (September-December) and spring (April-May). The facility includes a boardwalk for wildlife viewing, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities.

Biscayne Explorer is a fourth grade standards-based, ranger-led program that brings marine science to students as they explore the wonders of Biscayne. Upon arrival, students are greeted by a park ranger, given a brief orientation, and then split into groups to complete three activities that help them explore the concept of interdependence while looking into the four main ecosystems found here.

The standard Explorer program offers a guided Jetty Walk, Plankton Lab, and Coral talk. A ranger will guide students in a nature walk along Biscayne Bay to discuss the Seagrass ecosystem and Mangrove Forest that are found in the park. Students will enter our classroom as scientists to participate in a plankton lab exploring phyto and zooplankton, algae blooms, and water quality while making wet slides and identifying microscopic life inside a drop of water. Finally students will take a closer look at one of the most biodiverse ecosystems by exploring the wonders of corals and using a dichotomous key to identify coral structures.

When planning field trips please remember to check the weather and prepare students appropriately. We recommend sunscreen, hats, and bug repellant. It is necessary that school groups bring their own lunch and refillable water bottles.

Spring 2025 Explorer Programs

Offered: Thursdays & Fridays April 3rd - May 30th

Grades: Best suited for grades 4th - 6th (designed with 4th grade standards)
Will take requests for other grade levels but 4th grade is given priority.

Duration: 3 - 4 hours

Capacity: 45 - 50 students (about 1 bus load)

Please book accordingly by scheduling more than one trip for your grade level or group if necessary.

Chaperones: Minimum of 3, preferred 6 chaperones

Arrival & Departure: Please plan to arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Please plan to depart between 12:30 and 1:30 pm.

Sample Schedule:

  • 9:30 arrival, bio break, introduction
  • 9:45 - 10:30 Station 1
  • 10:30 - 11:15 Station 2
  • 11:15 - 12:00 Station 3
  • 12:00 - 12:30 Lunch
  • 12:30 - 1:00 Reflection, Farewell, Bio Break

Bus Information: Teachers must book their own bus. Funding is available for Title 1 schools in the form of a flat fee - $300.

We are located at: 9700 SW 328th St S, Homestead, FL 33033

Registration: Please complete the following form by choosing a date on our bookings calendar and then choosing a presentation.

Complete this Form: https://forms.office.com/g/PhMzQFWsdT

*ONE trip per form*

If there are no available dates that work with your schedule, please consider joining our mailing list or e-mail us.

Sign Ups for the 2025 - 2026 school year will be posted in August.

 
 

Last updated: January 16, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

9700 SW 328th Street
Sir Lancelot Jones Way

Homestead, FL 33033

Phone:

305 230-1144

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