Pure Florida has launched Pure Education, a division that focuses on programming and outreach in order to teach students of all ages about the natural Southwest Florida environment in hopes of inspiring preservation efforts and future environmental scientists and marine biologists. Pure Education offers Marine Science Field Trips, which incorporates coordinated life science curriculum for Pre-K through 6th grade students. Marine Science Field Trips are also offered to individuals, families and organizations. Pure Education’s Marine Science Field Trips are currently available at Pure Florida’s Fort Myers location, with future plans underway for its Naples location.
Marine Science Field Trip options include approximately 1.5-hour and 2-hour educational cruises. The cruises will sail out to the Caloosahatchee River, where children will work in groups to test local waterways for water temperature, salinity levels, pH, nitrate, ammonia and phosphate levels, and complete other related activities. The cruise will showcase Southwest Florida ecosystems and the wildlife native to the area, and students will learn about healthy estuaries, the history of the Caloosahatchee River and healthy practices for clean water preservation. The 2-hour education cruise experience can also include engineering challenges, such as “Float Your Boat” and “Submersibles” for students to participate in. Schools and groups can choose to have a Pure Florida educator visit the classroom in advance of the field trip. The Sea to Land Science in the Classroom experience allows students to participate in science experiments to review the scientific method and best practices in advance of the cruise so that students are excited and prepared for the field trip.
Pure Florida has recently brought on two new team members, Merry Coffman as director of educational programming and outside sales Lee County and Marina Hurt as education coordinator, to share their experience with educational programming. Coffman has been involved in the Regional Science Fair Steering committee, STEM Tour of SWFL, the STEM Team of SWFL and has experience developing science and engineering programming. Hurt is an environmental science graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University who has expansive experience working with children. These members have prepared unique programming that will engage Pre-K through 6th grade students and anticipates program expansion each year.
“Pure Florida is passionate about education and is excited to launch this new program,” Coffman said. “Pure Florida is positioned well with two locations, a great team and excellent programming, to offer students, individuals and organizations such as homeschool groups and Scouts throughout the region an amazing experience on the water learning about our natural Southwest Florida environment.”
Registration for the Marine Science Field Trips is $15 per child and $15 per adult chaperones. Free admission is offered for teachers. Groups are encouraged to bring lunch or select Pure Florida’s preferred vendor, Jason’s Deli, to cater their meals. Advanced registration is required for all Marine Science Field Trips. Call 239-793-7529 for more information or to book your field trip today.
