Cedar Key School Adds LIFE to Its Lessons

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.

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.