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

N206
G.WIZ Water Wonders Workshop
Project Type Cooperative Funding
AOR(s)
Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Manasota
Cooperator(s)
G.WIZ-The Science Museum
Project Manager HULL, MARY MARGARET
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
TORRUSIO, MARY
Description
This Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) project seeks to educate students and adults in Sarasota County about
conservation and protection of local environmental resources. While G.WIZ partners with the school districts of
Sarasota and Manatee counties to involve students and teachers in the field trips to G.WIZ, this project targets 138
adults and 1,380 students in grades 5-7 in Sarasota County. The program's purpose is to excite students about
science in an informal educational setting that encourages curiosity and understanding through hands-on activities
about water quality, water conservation and protection of water resources. Overall, the program proposes to increase
both their awareness and knowledge of water resources with the ultimate goal that they become engaged stewards of
our natural resources. The project's success is measured by pre/post student assessments as well as teacher
evaluations.
Benefits
This project will provide students with hands-on experiences with water resources. The Sarasota County school
systems will benefit by participating in a supplemental environmental education program that incorporates multi "Big
Idea" Strands from the Next Generation Sunshine State Science Standards. This in turn supplements and enforces
scientific proficiency as teachers prepare their students for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
Costs
The total cost of the FY2010 project is $71,124, with the District's Manasota Basin Board contributing $38,839. District
funding will be used to fund 30 field trips, transportation and workshop supplies. The proposed program would
reach 1,380 students and 138 adults at a cost to the District of $25.58 per person. The budget line below includes
costs for staff to manage the project.
Additional Information
The project has been funded by the West Coast Inland Navigational District (WCIND) in Manatee County for the past
six academic years. G.WIZ would like to increase the number of students reached in Sarasota County to bring this
program to the same level of impact that is offered to Manatee County students and as funded by WCIND.
Prior
Funding
Cumulative FY 2009 FY2010
Transfers Funding Funding
District Budgeted - Ad Valorem Based
Revenue
021 Manasota Basin 0 0 0 39,616
0 39,616
Project Funds Not Budgeted by the
District
G.WIZ 0 0 0 32,285
0 32,285
Total:
Future
Funding
Total
Funding
$71,901
Critical Project Milestones Projected Amended Actual
FY2010 Budgeted Funds
Initiate purchase order 10/1/09
Educational workshops begin 11/2/09
Educational workshops end 7/30/10
Final report and invoice due to the District 8/31/10
021 - Manasota Basin 360