Day Programs

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. 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 connects marine sciences to students using hands-on learning activities. 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 of the four main ecosystems found here.

The standard 3.5 hour Explorer offers three program rotations including activities such as:
Jetty Walk- Park staff will guide students on a walk along Biscayne Bay to discuss the Seagrass ecosystem and Mangrove Forest that are found in the park.
Plankton Lab- Students enter our classroom as marine micro biologists to participate in a plankton lab where they will conduct plankton tows, make wet slides to explore and identify phyto and zooplankton, and learn about algae blooms and water quality.
Coral Talk- 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.
and a variety of other programs tailored to fit the abilities and needs of participants.

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.

To register for Biscayne Explorers, please fill out our Booking Form. For questions about our education programs, call [phone] or send an e-mail. Programs may be adjusted to fit your needs and time restraints.

 

 

Biscayne Education Home

Biscayne Education Landing Page

Landing page for Biscayne Education Programming

Overnight Biscayne Expedition Camps

Biscayne Expedition

Biscayne Expedition 3 day camps for middle and high school students.

Educational Screen time!

Distance Learning and Virtual Visits

While we much prefer in-person programs, we love to interact with students across the country and around the world.