MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

N181
Science Curriculum Enhancement Program
Project Type Cooperative Funding
AOR(s)
Water Supply, Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Science and Environment Council of Sarasota
Project Manager HULL, MARY MARGARET
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) project will enhance student awareness about local water and watershed
conservation based on science, building on a pilot program developed in collaboration with the Sarasota County
School Board. The components of the proposed project are a teacher workshop to provide tools for teachers to
integrate water-related lessons into their curriculum, in-class instruction and a series of field trips to SEC member
sites. Student participants will engage in inquiry-based activities, lessons and interaction with science professionals
and technicians. In-class instruction will take place several days before each field trip and serve as an orientation to
the field trip site, introduction to the lesson and discussion of careers in the field. By participating in this program, the
goal is that students will understand the importance of preserving and managing our watershed. While not all will
choose science or water-related careers, they will have a better understanding of the role scientists and water
managers play. Evaluation includes student pre- and post-testing, and teacher evaluation forms.
Benefits
The project's goal is to provide comprehensive science education opportunities to Sarasota County students in grades
8 through 10. The basin has prioritized partnering with science-based organizations and the SEC is a group of
non-profit and government organizations that operate or support conservation and science-based facilities. SEC's
mission is to promote science, conservation and environmental issues in Sarasota County for maintaining and
improving quality of life through education, public outreach, demonstration, information gathering and analysis, and
special projects. By collaborating on projects, the SEC can offer services and provide educational materials that no
one organization can do alone. Through collaboration, the collective knowledge and expertise of all the organizations
allows SEC to strengthen science curriculum. Through this initiative, the focus of curriculum enhancement will be
water-related. The program is based on results of a previously funded two-year research study at Brooker High School.
Costs
The total FY2010 project cost is $66,800, with the District contributing $33,400 (Manasota). District funding will be
used to fund an estimated 54 field trips, transportation, teacher workshop stipends, promotion materials, program
evaluation and administration. It will be offered to Sarasota County 8th, 9th and 10th grade science students and
geared for the on-level student.The program is projected to reach 390 students and 14 teachers at a cost to the
District of $82.67 per participant. Students will receive a discount (5 to 15 percent less) for the field trips offered as
part of this cooperative funding project. Budget line below includes costs to manage the project.
Additional Information
The SEC partners/contributors include Aquarian Quest, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Crowley Museum and
Nature Center, Florida West Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council, Friends of Myakka River,
Friends of Oscar Scherer State Park, G.WIZ, Historic Spanish Point, Lemur Conservation Foundation, Marie Selby
Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory, New College, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota Bay Estuary
Program, Sarasota Audubon, Sarasota Conservation Foundation, Sarasota County Extension and Florida House
Learning Center and Sarasota County Government. Research-phase funding was through Sarasota County School
Board, with support from Basin Initiative for youth education (P259) from the District's Manasota Basin Board.
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