Jr. Living Lab Series

Resources

Elementary Education Program Information

• Estuary Explorers

  • Introduction for Amphitheater

  • Estuary Explorers One-Pager

    • Food Web Activity

    • Discover Room Rotation

      • Discovery Room Volunteer Information

    • Plankton Races Rotation

• Forest Expeditions

  • Forest Expeditions One-Pager

  • Forest Expeditions Full Document

  • Forest Expeditions Talking Points Document

    • Structures in Plants (3rd-5th grade)

    • Major Parts of a Plant (1st-2nd grade)

    • Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Background Information

• NOAA Estuarine Plants and Animals Page 

• NOAA Estuary Education Video Gallery

• Diamondback Terrapins

• Echinoderms 

• Horseshoe Crabs

• North Atlantic Right Whale

• FWC Species Profiles

The Jr. Living Lab Series educates students about estuarine science through a combination of classroom curriculum and hands-on activities. In the process, students gain knowledge about and respect for this important estuary and are empowered with the skills and desire to act as stewards of their environment.

Estuary Explorers  covers the importance of estuaries, the many habitats found within the estuarine system, and the animals that call these habitats home. Students will learn about adaptations, food chains, and the human connections to the estuary with a focus on species found at the GTM Research Reserve.  Stations include plankton races, a live animal interaction, as well as an estuary observation paired with a food web activity. 

Forest Expeditions covers the importance of our upland (forest/freshwater marsh) habitat and the plants and animals that call this habitat home. Students will explore the maritime hammock and investigate natural resources there. They will also be introduced to ways plants, animals,  and humans can impact the environment. Stations include a forest scavenger hunt/short hike and an invasive species activity. 

Each program is aligned to Florida state standards. These are listed within the One-Pagers and full documents. 

Click here to sign up to volunteer for the Jr. Living Lab Series Elementary program.