Sea Urchin Lab

Students get an introduction into the scientific method and discussion on observation driven experiments using live animals. Students will participate in an activity to learn how sea urchins survive in their environment; compare them to other aquatic species, and the adaptations necessary for their survival.

Recommended: Grades K-1 (adaptable for ESE)

Shark Senses

Students learn about special shark adaptations and understand that sharks have two additional senses. The students will learn and participate in activities that will help them understand the differences and how keen shark senses are. Classes will also explore the River Center’s Jupiter Shark Exploration exhibit to learn about different local species, biology, and what makes them top predators

Recommended: Grades K-1

Fish Morphology

This fun and unique program provides a detailed look into the differences between fish species and adaptations that allows them to survive. Students get the opportunity to create their own fish using different art media to create different adaptations based on their ecosystems and specific habitats.

Recommended: Grades K-1

Reptiles of the Loxahatchee

Reptiles are considered eco-enrichers and play a significant role in the Loxahatchee River ecosystem. Reptiles such as alligators, freshwater turtles, lizards, and snakes have unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in our swamps and marshes. Students will get up close with some of the resident reptiles, learn about their interesting characteristics, and discover what makes them unique.

Recommended: Grades 1-4 (adaptable for ESE)

Shark Habitats

Classes will learn about local species, adaptations, biology, and what makes sharks top predators. Students will learn about shark habitats in the Loxahatchee River including estuaries, coral reefs, and the open ocean and understand why it is important to protect habitats locally and world-wide.

Recommended: Grades 2-3

Ocean Currents and Plastic Voyages

Students will learn about the production of plastic, how it’s used, and the problems that are created when plastics become marine debris. Students will participate in hands-on activities about pollution solutions, as well as come up with creative innovations and ideas for reducing, reusing, and rethinking single-use plastics.

Recommended: Grades 4-5

Habitat Conservation

Students learn what a habitat is and what resources animals need to survive. They will understand the struggle animals face in their fight for survival. This modified version of Tag explains the relationship between predators and prey, including habitat protection, human impacts, and restoration.

Recommended: Grades 2-4

Mangrove Adaptations

Students will identify mangrove species, adaptations, and the vital role they play in Florida’s ecosystem. They will understand the energy flow throughout the estuary including the mangrove producers, juvenile fish nurseries, predatory food supply, and decomposers. Students will compete in a mangrove tug-of-war relating to mangrove estuaries, ocean energy, and human influences.

Recommended: Grades 3-5 (adaptable for 6-12)

Shark Conservation

Students will be able to explain and understand the importance and dangers to sharks and their ecosystem. Students will participate in activities about shark threats including overfishing, entanglement, and habitat degradation. As a group they will plan and develop a strategy/device that will help sharks and their habitats.

Recommended: Grades 4-5 (adaptable for 6-12)

Water Properties Lab

Students will work in an interactive lab that covers the properties of water including density, buoyancy, surface tension, and the phases of water comparing two different water types. Students will make connections to salt, fresh, and brackish water in their experiments and the ecosystems in the Loxahatchee River watershed.

Recommended: Grades 3-5

Squid Dissection

$1 Lab Fee per student

Using proper dissection tools and techniques, students will be working in pairs performing a scientific dissection of a squid. Students will learn the classification of squid, their anatomy, characteristics, and adaptations.

Recommended: Grade 5 (adaptable for 6-12)

Oyster Reef Ecology Lab

This activity includes a habitat assessment using samples taken directly from the Loxahatchee River (oyster restoration bags). Organisms are discovered and identified to determine the abundance and biodiversity of the sample to predict the overall health of the estuary. Students are getting a firsthand look at the primary consumers of the food web in relation to fish nursery food supplies.

Recommended: Grades 3-5 (adaptable for 6-12)

Water Quality of the Loxahatchee River

(available only for groups 25 or less)

Students will learn and recognize the factors that influence or change water quality in the Loxahatchee River. They will discover the challenges of estuary species affected by water quality changes (aquatic plants, oyster, juvenile fish, invertebrates, bacteria). Students will work in teams to conduct water quality testing and recognize parameters that identify changes and potential hazards. Through this lesson, students will understand importance of water resources and conservation.

Recommend: Grades 7-8 (adaptable for 9-12)

LRD Wastewater Tour: A Biological Process

This program is held at the Loxahatchee River District’s wastewater treatment facility learning about the biological process to create irrigation quality water for the community. Students will investigate the nitrogen cycle, perform water quality testing and discover new industrial technology that is used on a community scale. Students will recognize the importance of water reclamation in relation to water conservation.

Recommended: Grades 9-12 (adaptable for 7-8)