Work on the Boca Chita Lighthouse will begin Monday 01/20/2025. During this project the lighthouse will be closed to the public and scaffolding will be erected temporarily obscuring views of this iconic landmark. Updates will be provided when available.
A ranger holds up a skull while presenting about adaptations
NPS
Unable to make it to Biscayne National Park for an in-person field trip? Invite a ranger to your school! We offer a variety of program options, but all presentations will include an introduction to Biscayne National Park and our four main ecosystems.
Spring 2025 Ranger in Your Classroom Programs
Offered: Wednesdays from April 2nd through May 28th
Audience: Rangers must do a minimum of 2 presentations with a maximum of 4 presentations per day. Each presentation can have anywhere from 15 to 50 students.
We prefer to visit multiple classrooms while at your school and appreciate your help in setting up a full day of class time. Please coordinate across grade levels or with colleagues to provide two to four presentation slots.
Duration: 45-60 minutes per presentation & activity
Arrival & Departure: The earliest a Ranger can arrive at your school is 9:30 am and they must depart by 2:00 pm. Please keep in mind we are located in Homestead. In order to minimize fuel costs and time on the road, we limit our off-site visits to schools south of 8th Street.
Presentation Options:
Shark Adaptations:
(5th – 8th grades)
Students will be familiarized with the various species of sharks found in Biscayne National Park and their respective adaptations. Students will also create their own shark species with select adaptations with the knowledge gained from the presentations.
Biscayne 101:
(3rd – 8th grades)
Students will receive an in-depth interpretive presentation focusing on the four main ecosystems of Biscayne National Park as well as its history by using props, artifacts, skulls, and more. This will foster a deeper understanding for the importance of all the symbiotic relationships within the ecosystems.
Ecosystems & Food Webs:
(3rd – 8th grades)
Students will learn about the four main ecosystems of Biscayne National Park focusing on the plants and animals within them. Students within small groups will identify a given mystery organism and attempt to identify an ecosystem and create a possible food chain.
Squid Dissection:
(8th – 12th grades)
These 90 minute labs include an overview of the scientific method, the different adaptations of squid, discussions of vertebrates and invertebrates, and hands-on dissection. All supplies are provided. There is a limited supply of squid and we ask for a maximum of three classes per visit for this activity.
Registration: Please complete the following form by choosing a date on our bookings calendar and then choosing a presentation.
