Field Trips
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- State Standards:
- Florida State Standards:
SC.4.L.17.3 – Trace the flow of energy from the Sun as it is transferred along the food chain through producers to consumers.
SC.5.E.7 - Big Idea- Humans continue to explore the interactions among water, air, and land. Air and wat
Learning Objectives
To be introduced to environmental science concepts such as food web and the interdependent relationship of various species. Showing students different aspects of the lagoon will help them realize the importance of biodiversity in Mosquito Lagoon. Students will understand what a lagoon is, gain experience collecting/observing lagoon species, and practice safe handling as well as identification.
Lesson Overview
Students will receive a ranger talk about the lagoon and barrier island ecosystem. They will learn how to use seine nets in groups with help from volunteers/chaperones.
Vocabulary
Brackish water, detritus, estuary, food chain, habitat, lagoon
Talking Points
Environmental scientists want to protect our natural areas that provide essential habitat for various plant and animal species. The collect data in the field and make reports for decision makers to see why these areas are so important or to make an area healthier for endangered species and threatened species (such as Sea Turtles, Indigo Snakes, Manatees, Bald Eagles, Gopher Tortoises, etc). Today we will be environmental scientists and see if we can find signs of wildlife!
TIME
45 Minutes
Theme
Mosquito Lagoon is an important ‘nursery’ and ecosystem of Canaveral National Seashore.
Goals
At the end of the program, the students will:Realize that CANA is a very special place worth protecting and that they have the power to preserve or destroy the environment.They are a part of the food web.Understand the importance of a National Park in protecting essential habitats.Understand that all things are interrelated.
Students will be able to:
Name at least three different types of animals that inhabit the seashore. Describe a food chain using animals that they have learned about during the program. Name at least one way that they can help protect Mosquito Lagoon.
What is a lagoon? Why do you think they call it Mosquito Lagoon?
Explain that it is an estuary. See if any students remember what an estuary is. (Body of water where salt and fresh water mix).What does the salt come from? (Have the students point in the direction of the inlet where salt water enters at Ponce Inlet).
Where does the fresh water come from? (rain, runoff)
Why is the lagoon important?
It is the cradle of the ocean where many animals spend their juvenile years. Make them aware of the thousands of different types of animals that live in the lagoon temporarily or permanently (over 4,315 different plants and animals found in the lagoon).
How does the lagoon protect the wildlife? (Provides shelter for immature animals from harsh ocean environments and there is plenty of food for them. i.e. detritus and smaller larva).Why is it important to man? (Provides us with shrimp, clams, fish…. Things we like to eat)
TRANSITION: Now that you know why the lagoon is important, let’s think about who might live out there!
The lagoon critters and food chains
Who inhabits the lagoon? How are they interconnected?What species may we find in the lagoon?
Make a list on a white board the different species they list off. Then maybe makes some drawings if there is time of the mangroves and different wildlife that live around them.
Seining in the Lagoon
It is time to prep the students on how to use the seine net. Explain to them that they will be participating in the same monitoring program that state biologists do in the lagoon every month. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have a Fisheries Independent Monitoring Program where they collect data monthly in the Indian River Lagoon. They seine various areas in the lagoon with a 21.3 meter (69 foot!) seine net or a 600 foot haul seine net. What we are using today is a 6 foot seine net. A select amount of fish and invertebrates (2,108 out of over a million) are selected and taken to the lab for health analysis for abnormalities for things such as parasites.
Last updated: January 30, 2026