Homeschool Workshops
Plants Plus and Seed Need
Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 10:30am-12pm
Ages: 5-11
Location: River Center
Students will explore the River Center’s pollinator garden to learn about the different native plants, why they are important, and how wildlife need them to survive. Students will also get to participate in an activity to understand how plants have different pollination techniques and the life cycle of plants. Students will be able to go home will seeds to starts their own garden and backyard habitat for wildlife.
Water Quality of the Loxahatchee River
Thursday, October 3, 2019 @ 10:30am-12pm
Ages: 10-14
Location: River Center
Students will gain knowledge about the most common water quality techniques and parameters that scientist use to help determine the health of the Loxahatchee River’s watershed. Students will be collecting water samples from Burt Reynolds Park and comparing them to water samples of the River Center’s aquariums. This workshop is a pre-course to the Day in the Life workshop on October 10th.
A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon: Citizen Science
Thursday, October 10, 2019 @ 8 am – 1 pm
Ages: 11-14
Location: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
The “A Day in the Life” program is an experiential science research program designed to help students develop an appreciation for and knowledge of the ecosystems being studied, to collect useful scientific data regarding the ecosystem’s environmental health, and to allow students to become stewards of the ecosystem’s water quality and natural resources. On a single day each Fall, environmental experts, students, and teachers participating in “A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon” simultaneously collect scientific data at sites all along the 156-mile stretch of the Indian River Lagoon. Students use hands-on field techniques to collect various chemical, physical, and biological parameters of the lagoon to determine how their local piece of the estuary fits into the larger ecosystem. Water Quality of the Loxahatchee Pre-Course (October 3rd) required.
Learn with Echinoderms: Sea Urchin Lab
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 @ 10:30am-12pm
Ages: 6-11
Location: River Center
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.
Oyster Reef Ecology Lab
Friday, November 8, 2019 @ 10:30am-12pm
Ages: 10-14
Location: River Center
This activity includes a habitat assessment using samples taken directly from the Loxahatchee River (oyster restoration bags). Macro and Microorganisms are discovered, identified, and classified using microscopes. Students are getting a firsthand look at the primary consumers of the food web in relation to fish nursery food supplies.
Habitat Conservation
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 @ 10:30am-12pm
Ages: 6-11
Location: River Center
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 preservation and human impacts.
Water Cycle and Watersheds
Tuesday, January 7, 2020 @ 10:30am-12pm
Ages: 10-14
Location: River Center
River Center staff use student volunteers as water molecules to demonstrate evaporation, condensation, precipitation, percolation, and runoff. This activity will introduce students to the various steps of the water cycle and will help them make connections between the water cycle and all living things.
Fish Morphology
Friday, February 28, 2020 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 6-11
Location: River Center
This fun and unique program provides a detailed look into the differences between fish species and adaptations found throughout nature 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.
Bird Basics and Migration
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 @ 10:30am-12:00pm
Ages: 10-14
Location: River Center
Students get an introduction into bird adaptations such as feeding techniques, behavior, nesting locations, and migration. Students will participate in an activity to learn about the difficulties, influences, and unique characteristics of the great bird migration. Students can practice their birding skills in our migratory bird garden.
Shark Senses and Habitats
Wednesday, April 22, 2019 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 6-11
Location: River Center
Students learn about special shark adaptations and participate in activities to better understand how keen shark senses are. Classes will also explore the River Center’s exhibit Jupiter Shark Exploration to learn about different local species, adaptations, biology, and what makes them top predators.
Shark Conservation
Friday, May 15, 2020 @ 10:30am-12:00pm
Ages: 10-14
Location: River Center
Classes will explore the River Center’s exhibit Jupiter Shark Exploration to learn about local species, adaptations, biology, and what makes sharks top predators. Students will focus on why Jupiter is a hotspot for shark activity as well as the local conservation and research efforts in our area. Students will also participate in activities about shark threats to over fishing and habitat degradation.
Squid Dissection Lab
Tuesday, May 19, 2020@ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 10-14
Location: River Center
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.