Youths explore beach with Sanibel Sea School educators
The Sanibel Sea School reported that Florida beaches can serve as the perfect place for youths to learn all about marine science thanks to the variety of marine life present throughout the local ecosystems.
Unfortunately, many children in inland communities, like Hendry County, do not always have the opportunity to visit the beach. The Sanibel Sea School’s A Chance to Sea Program is working to change that.
The first field trip of the year was with fifth-graders from Upthegrove Elementary in LaBelle. Sanibel Sea School marine science educators taught a hands-on course about all things fish-related. The students spent their morning working at multiple stations at the Lighthouse Beach Park. About 40 fifth-graders participated in a fish dissection, played a fish teeth matching game and even seined for fish.
For the past six years, the Sanibel Sea School has been collaborating with students from Hendry and other rural school districts under the program, with a focus on introducing more children to the wonders of the ocean. Its marine science educators will provide three more field trips for Upthegrove students this year.