Marine Ecology of Southern Florida

Florida Keys Ocean Science Center at Pigeon Key 

TLC Learning Consultants is offering a Marine Ecology of Southern Florida (MESF) workshop. Join us on this exciting and intense six day adventure focusing on the biology, ecology, geology, geophysics, and earth systems of the Everglades and the Florida Keys .  Participants will experience first hand the beauty and diversity of Southern Florida while learning how to best share their adventure with students.  Graduate credit is available at a reduced cost.  Contact us for the next course schedule at mesf@TLCLearningConsultants.org

• Everglades Ecology • Mangrove Swamps • Exotic and Invasive Species • Water Drainage Management	Pa-hay-okee Trail
Brain Coral	• Coral Reef Health • Florida Bay
• GPS Orienteering • Data collection and analysis • Biotic and Abiotic Factors	Key Largo

Tentative Schedule Day 1 Participants picked up from Ft Lauderdale airport Travel to Key Largo and settle in at Rock Reef Resort Group meets for introductions and discussion of Everglades Day 2 Travel to Everglades Explore Pa-hay-okee Trail  Discussion and activities on Water Management, Habitat, Invasive Species GPS Introduction and Orienteering Activity Data Collection Protocol Snorkeling Introduction and data collection in Florida Bay Day 3 Travel to Dolphin Research Center Delve into current research on dolphins and sea lions Discussion and activities on Human Impacts Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data on Grassy Key Explore the Florida Bay Discussion and activities on Erosion, Weather, Water Quality Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data in Florida Bay Coral Reef Fish Identification and Protocol with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation Day 4 Snorkel Molasses Reef and French Reef to collect fish identification data and compare the health of the reefs. Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data at Molasses and French Reefs Discussion and activities on Symbiosis, Bioluminescence, Coral Reef Health and Human Impacts Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Investigate the differences between red, black, and white mangroves Snorkel and/or kayak through the mangroves Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data at Pennekamp Day 5 Travel to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park Discussion and activities on Geology, Fossils, Human Impacts Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data on Windley Key Travel to Florida Keys Ocean Science Center at Pigeon Key Study plankton and invertebrates and discuss their impacts Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data on Pigeon Key Travel to Key West Discussion and activities on latitude and longitude and curvature of the Earth Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data on Key West Experience sunset on Key West Return to Key Largo Day 6 Depart Key Largo Travel to Big Cypress National Preserve Identify reef corals and fish while snorkeling Collect temperature, salinity, visibility, and location data from Big Cypress Swamp. Compare and contrast data from all locations  Conclude workshop and travel to Ft. Lauderdale

Included in Cost:   Hotel Some meals All activities and excursions Ground transportation from Ft. Lauderdale to the Keys and back Workshop materials and  CD Field Station Fees Park entrance fees Course fees do not include transportation to Ft. Lauderdale, graduate credit, dinners, drinks or souvenirs.

Please note that this workshop will require participants to be quite physically active.  Though no activity will be particularly strenuous, each day will involve walking, swimming, and/or snorkeling.  Be advised that activities will be primarily outside, in the sun, heat and humidity of southern Florida in June.

Marine Ecology of Southern Florida   5 Graduate Level Quarter Hours Instructors:  Tracy Cindric and Michael Hickey Description/Rationale:  State the need and purpose of the course.  Participants in this course will be presented with experiential learning and content lessons in the areas of ecology, biology, oceanography and physical science.  Additional resources will be provided for self-study assignments. Facilitators will also reinforce pedagogy and teaching techniques, align lessons to the Ohio Science Standards and provide hands-on activities and lesson plans for use in the classroom.  Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions(Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes):  Teachers in the Ohio area have very little, if any, exposure to first hand knowledge of marine environments.  This course will allow experiential learning and provide a field methods opportunity that will translate positively into the classroom.  Through personal journals, pictures and an intimate understanding of lab objectives, a teacher will have a more dynamic impact of student learning.   Through a combination of alignment with Ohio Standards and reflection on adaptations to suit individual student needs, participants will develop an increased pedagogical skill level.  Technology:  Explain how technology will be used to maximize student learning.  GPS units will be used throughout the week to map the locations of data collection points for temperature, salinity, and turbidity.  Data will be analyzed using Microsoft Excel.  Topical Outline:  List the topics to be covered. Fish, Coral and Grass Classification and Identification Introduction to GPS technology Temperature and Salinity Data Collection Protocol EvergladesHistory, Drainage Patterns, Invasive Species, and Future Outlook Proper snorkeling technique and basic ocean safety MangroveForests and Their Importance Factors affecting water quality, temperature and salinity Coral Symbiosis Factors affecting coral health Bioluminescence Geology of the Keys Fossil Reefs     For their final project, teachers will create a photojournalistic essay detailing their journey and learning throughout the week.  Digital cameras will be available throughout the week to document activities.  Projects will be shared with colleagues and students by PowerPoint presentations or the creation of websites.   Course attendance will provide participants with a familiarity with snorkeling techniques together with associated water safety.  They will learn to operate and navigate using a hand held GPS unit.  Small boat handling will be taught in canoes, kayaks and under sail.  Field methods for data collection, observations and note taking will be taught.  Participants will be able to identify and classify tropical fish, corals and sea grasses.  They will explore exotic and invasive species including mangroves, alligators and possibly manatees.  The interrelated nature of marine ecosystems and impacts by and upon humans will be studied.  Temperature and salinity data will be collected and compared.  In addition, participants will learn to snorkel through the various environments as well as operate a GPS unit.    Learners are expected to increase personal science content knowledge and field methods in the areas of ecology, biology, oceanography and physical science.  They will revisit effective teaching strategies and be provided with hands-on activities and lesson plans for use in the classroom.  Participants will demonstrate by way of pre- and post-tests, together with daily journals, homework assignments, class discussion and a final teaching project that they have increased science content area knowledge and skills sufficiently to provide enhanced science teaching in their classrooms.  Participants will also realize a positive appreciation for scientific study, the organisms near and in the oceans, and the interconnectness and impacts of society and the oceans. Attendance – 10% Reading Assignments – 10% Quizzes – 15% Daily Journal – 20% Draft of final project – 15% Pre- and post tests – 5% Final Project – 25%       Grading Scale:  Satisfactory (S) 83% or (B) or higher Unsatisfactory ( – 82.99% or lower

We will be very busy and very casual during our week in Florida .  Please remember to pack the following items. 2 Swim suits (wear one, dry one) 3 Shorts (hiking, lectures, eating, just about everything) 3 Short-sleeved shirts/T-shirts (see shorts) 2 Long pants (to swim in to limit sun exposure) 2 Long-sleeved shirts (limit sun exposure, mosquitoes at night?) 3 Socks (hiking, remember...) 1 Sneakers (hiking, probably will get wet) 1 Hat (sun protection, wide brim, good string to keep it on your head) 1 Light jacket or sweat shirt 1 Raincoat (or a big smile) 1 Flip-flops (personal choice) 1 Neckerchief (sun protection and feels great when dipped into the cooler and worn on your neck!) 2 Beach towels (allows for drying time) Sunglasses (a must) Money (for personal use: we'll be eating out several nights) Mask Fins Snorkel Mesh bag (optional but very handy) 1 Pair of Dive Booties or an extra pair of socks to prevent blisters while snorkeling Toiletries Soap Shampoo Eyeglasses/contact necessities (if needed) Bandaids and possibly moleskin (if you blister easily) Any perscription medicine you need (inform instructors) Over the counter medicines Sunscreen (number 15 or higher) Skin lotion / Aloe (because your suntan lotion wasn't enough) Canteen or water bottle Travel Mug Camera (optional, please remember cables for downloading pictures also) Film (if needed) Field notebook/Personal journal (you will receive a folder with class materials) Pencils, pens, markers if desired Day pack Ziplocks (They come in handy, especially 1 gallon size) Flashlight Insect repellent ("MUSKOL" works best, but it dissolves nylon and removes finishes on furniture.)