Natural Science Ed Programs_brochure - John D. MacArthur Beach

Natural Science Education Programs

Where Science Comes Alive

John D. MacArthur Beach

State Park

Natural Science Education Programs

A wonderful outdoor learning experience in an environment that exists nowhere else in Palm Beach County, our programs meet the Next Generation Science Standards for 1st through 12th grades. The updated curriculum provides for all facets of required science education; programs include exploration of coastal ecosystems, data collection and analysis, providing the needed fundamentals in a hands-on, experiential learning environment. Children who may have never seen the ocean have an opportunity to see, hear, feel and totally experience the outdoor lab that is our Park.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is the only state park in Palm Beach County, an "island in time" preserving the lush and diverse subtropical coastal habitats that once covered southeast Florida. The Park is nestled on a barrier island, encompasses 438 acres, and includes mangrove fringed estuary, coastal hardwood forests, nearly two miles of beach and shallow near-shore reefs.

At no time in history has improving science education been more important than it is now, as a scientifically informed citizenry is critically important to understand and take part in current and future decisions. Testing shows that U.S. students score poorly in comparison with students in other countries, and gaps in achievement persist between majority group students and economically disadvantaged and minority students.

A clear understanding of the fundamentals of science is needed, along with comprehensive age-appropriate hands-on experiential learning activities, to excite and involve all students in science.

Committed to achieving lasting change that transforms children’s lives, Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park makes natural science education a priority. With a focus on Title 1 students, these programs

Suddenly, science is fun, understanding comes with experience and learning becomes not a chore but a joy.

Scheduling a Field Experience

The programs fill quickly on a first come – first served basis. Please schedule your visit at least six weeks prior.

Groups attending must provide 1 adult for every 10 students, 10 or more children in the same grade level, preschoolers may not attend.

Confirmation packets will be emailed upon registration, please review carefully.

Programs are provided free-of-charge; however, schools must send a fee-waiver letter prior to visit on school letterhead stating you are a public or private school and requesting an education program.

Following the program, groups are welcome to use the pavilion, picnic tables or amphitheater for lunch. More information: www.macarthurbeach.org/school-programs

Janice Kerber, Education Director 561-776-7449 Ext 104 [email protected].

Life in the Estuary - Exploration includes being knee-deep to seine in the estuary to discover the organisms living in this area and the role they play in the food web.

4th—5th

grade

Turtle Hurdles - Students are able to observe our resident loggerhead sea turtle up close, followed by activities which focus on sea turtle nesting, feeding and survival.

4th—5th

grade

Fish Fun—Students explore the estuary as fish habitat, focus on physical characteristics of fish in our aquariums and participate in hands-on activities.

1st grade

Over in the Ocean - Students explore the beach ecosystem through activities that involve scientific measurement and observation.

2nd grade

Plants Plus - A nature trail through the maritime hammock provides hands-on instruction in plant structure, habitat and identification.

3rd grade

Beach Exploration - Exploration and measurement of the beach and dune community to see and understand the nat-ural processes of erosion and deposition.

6th -12th

grade

Estuary Exploration - This higher level experience includes seining, soil sifting, collection and examination of the man-grove organisms.

6th -12th

grade

Dune Dynamics - Students compare and contrast the plant and animal communities in this coastal environment.

6th -12th

grade

Where Science Comes Alive

Habits and Habitats - Students compare and contrast the coastal ecosystems using a variety of measurement tools, the results are taken back to school for further study.

4th—5th

grade

Bird Basics - Students focus on the diversity of the ecosystems and the sur-vival adaptations of birds from the estuary to the beach.

4th—5th

grade

Provided free of charge to Palm Beach County students, funding provided by

Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, Inc. Partners: Quantum Foundation, FPL, Lost Tree Village Charitable Foundation, Comerica Bank, Palm Beach County,

Palm Beach County Cultural Council, School District of Palm Beach County,

Jelks Family Foundation in partnership with the Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc.

NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION TRAINING

N.S.E.T. TRAINING FOR TEACHERS

Project WILD and Project Learning Tree (PLT) are widely-used conservation and environmental education programs, based on

the premise that young people and educators have a vital interest in learning about our natural world.

More information:

www.macarthurbeach.org/school-programs Janice Kerber, Education Director 561-776-7449 Ext 104

[email protected].

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive

North Palm Beach, FL 33408

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS

Give your child a summer of outdoor sun, fun and exploration.

Natural Science Education continues during the summer months with Summer Camp Programs for ages 6 to 15.

Our goal is to help each child appreciate their natural surroundings,

take an active role in the stewardship of our environment and to provide activities that develop a sense of caring, honesty,

respect and responsibility.

www.macarthurbeach.org/summer-camp

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Mail to: Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park Natural Science Education Fund