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City News: CEDAR KEY COMMISSION ELECTS HODGES MAYOR; CRA ELECTS DALE REGISTER CHAIR
May 26th, 2013

Conservation: Fish of the Week: Weakfish
May 25th, 2013

Announcements: RESTORE Act Invitation to Stakeholders
May 23rd, 2013

Library: LIBRARY APPRECIATION DAY!
May 22nd, 2013

News: THE CEDAR KEY COMMUNITY CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY AND MAKES THE ISLAND GREENER YET
May 22nd, 2013

Law Enforcement News: Levy County Most Wanted 5/20/13
May 21st, 2013

Law Enforcement News: Levy County Arrest Report 5/20/2013
May 21st, 2013

Law Enforcement News: Levy County Teen Driver Improvement Program
May 20th, 2013

News: A Reminder In Honor of Molly
May 20th, 2013

Arts and Entertainment: CALL TO ARTISTS FOR 2014 DESIGN
May 19th, 2013

News: SEA TOW TO THE RESCUE!
May 18th, 2013

News: First Annual Cedar Key Pirate Invasion Weekend
May 16th, 2013

Editorial: Anti-Environmental Bill: Save Florida From Harm
May 16th, 2013

City News: SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AGENDAS 5/16, 5/17
May 15th, 2013

Columns: ASK A LAWYER: PRETERMITTED CHILDREN AND SPOUSES
May 15th, 2013

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Cedar Key School Adds LIFE to Its Lessons

Cedar Key School Adds LIFE to Its Lessons

Submitted by Pam Darty, Refuge Ranger

The State`s environmental education grant program, Learning in Florida`s Environment (LIFE), continues for another year, thanks in part to the US Fish & Wildlife Service Fee Demo Funding. The Suwannee River Water Management District funded year one; Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) submitted a $7,000 grant for 2012-2013 school year to cover buses, bus driver, science tools and gauges, and substitute teachers as backfill for Cedar Key School Science Raymond Powers.


The LIFE Program has been a partnership between Cedar Key School, Florida`s Department of Environmental Protection`s Environmental Education Division and Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management Outreach and Education, the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and Cedar Key School.


The 3 boys looking perplexed at the trees are: right front Jacob Solano, Middle Nathaniel Brinkman, Background Darius Berger

Students from Cedar Key School participate in three field experiences each year, one each to Cedar Key Scrub, Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge at Atsena Otie, and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Field labs address priority topics identified by the participating teachers and use natural resources abounding at these unique and diverse protected public lands. Students apply science concepts, methods, and skills as they participate in field labs covering topics such as water quality, wave energy and erosion, animal adaptations, land cover classification, and abiotic environmental factors. This year`s cycle will introduce new lessons and field work.


Jennifer Saranzak (FWC), Kristen Ebersol (State Parks), and Pam Darty (Refuges) local environmental educators, from state and federal conservation lands partner with Greg Ira and Misty Alderman of Florida`s Department of Education to present real world field work in the form of lessons. Each lesson integrates science with math and language arts, so that students participate in well-rounded field experience.


In the Spring of 2011, after Tom Deverin, representing the Energy Advisory Panel, brought LIFE to the attention of then Principal Ice and Science teacher Mr. Voyles, it was decided that the school would participate. Deverin wrote the grant and was quick to point out studies show students participating in LIFE have a better understanding of the interconnection and interdependence of all life forms.


This year`s first visit was to the Lower Suwannee NWR at the last landing along the lower twenty miles of the historic river. Labs took educators and students into the damp swamp for "Observation & Inferences", "Ecosystem Ingredients", and "the Fallen Log". All the while, the students are working with professionals from conservation lands, exposing them to locally-based career choices.


Certainly a win-win situation for all involved, the community extends its thanks to our Science teachers, State educators, and all partners who work together to further opportunities for our youth.

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Cedar Key News

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