COMMITTED TO EDUCATION:

In the fall and winter (October-February), 3rd-5th grade classes from Highlands County and neighboring county schools are invited to participate in this in-depth, hands-on science program that allows students to escape from the classroom setting, into the outdoors, and inspire a sense of wonder, interest and appreciation for the natural world around them.

If you are not already part of this wonderful program and would like to participate, please contact the Education Office at (863) 465-2571.

The program normally spans five days - four in-class preparation days, followed by a field trip on the fifth day. During each of the first four days, teachers show a series of PowerPoint slideshows to their classes helping to build an important foundation of understanding before their Archbold visit.

PowerPoint Slideshows

Day 1: Meet the Real Florida

Day 2: Getting to Know the Real Florida

Day 3: Life in the Real Florida

Day 4: Living in the Scrub Community

Each slideshow is designed to encourage student participation and discussion on topics like scientific processes. Each slideshow is accompanied by a set of teacher notes that provide answers to questions posed.
Teachers Notes Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Following each slideshow viewing, teachers are encouraged to select projects and activities of interest for their students to reinforce what they have just learned.

Suggested projects and activities

Nature Stories for Children

Field Trip

On field trip day, classes visit Archbold Biological Station where they partake in a 3 hour hands-on science experience. Upon arrival, students begin with an introduction in the auditorium, brushing up on their observation skills and then informed of the morning’s activities. These activities include the Scrub Hunt, Animal Tracking, Weather Station and Scientist Lab.

Day 5: Field Trip Activities

For optimum learning experience, and due to program restraints, field trip group sizes of 50 or less are preferred (maximum of 60 allowed). Field trip activities are conducted by Archbold staff and volunteers. Picnic tables are available for snack and lunch breaks during and after the program.

Prior to field trip day, teachers are asked to copy and distribute the following:

a) Parent/Guardian letter in English or Spanish – to be sent home with students.

b) Release of Liability in English and Spanish - for students, teachers and
chaperones, to be signed and returned to school prior to Archbold visit.

c) Administrator Letter - explains Release of Liability and Certification form
procedure.

d) Certification form - to be signed by administrator acknowledging that all
release forms are signed and on file at school. This form must be brought the
day of the field trip.

A field trip reminder email will be sent by Archbold’s Education Office about two weeks prior to field trip date.

Sunshine State Standards

To help facilitate teachers, numerous Sunshine State Standards are covered in the program, not only in science but in language arts, math, social studies and the arts.

FCAT

Reading, Math and Science FCAT-style practice questions, based on the Archbold experience, are provided to aid teachers in preparing students for the FCAT test.

Reading FCAT-style question booklet

Reading FCAT-style answer key

Math FCAT-style question booklet

Math FCAT-style answer key

Science FCAT-style question booklet

Science FCAT-style answer key

Florida Scrub Coloring Book

At the conclusion of each elementary school field trip to the Station, all students receive a complimentary copy of Archbold’s own Florida Scrub Coloring Book. This coloring book is very popular with teachers, at nature centers, and for home-schooled children, and may be used by children of all ages. The coloring book helps educators explain complicated ecological processes and relationships in the Florida scrub. It is available online and from the Station's gift shop.