Discovery Cove

This year, administrators added a new orientation week for the sixth graders. This week was full of engaging activities to help us learn how Middle Division works. Some activities included nuts and bolts rotations, advisory bonding, and Cope and Mitre activities. We also did the traditional Hootenanny Wednesday afternoon, which finished with a documentary about dolphins. The next day, we did academic rotations and were introduced to our first Global Studies project. At the end of the week, 6th graders were rewarded with an amazing trip to Discovery Cove. 

Friday morning, groggy students filed onto the busses at 6:30 AM.  Once we arrived at the park, students were broken into groups with chaperones and given the itinerary for the day. There were four rotations for the groups to enjoy. 

One activity everyone loved was swimming in the coral reef, stocked with stingrays and other sea creatures. Students were given snorkels and allowed to explore. “I loved the whole trip,” Dominic P. said, “but my favorite part was swimming with the fish.” Sofia V. agreed, “The reef was very fun!”

Many loved the lazy river where they could swim or float around a short cave that housed a family of otters separated from the swimmers by glass. Next to the lazy river was an aviary where everyone could hand-feed native bird species.  

While most agreed Discovery Cove was fun, opinions varied on the food. Included in the price of the ticket was a lunch buffet, unlimited drinks, and snacks. While Aya T. thought, “Lunch was great,” Austin M. said, “It was absolutely terrible.” Still, he thought the overall experience was fun, especially swimming with the dolphins. “The dolphins were smart,” said Austin.

Each group visitor was allowed to “swim” with a dolphin. According to the trainers, some dolphins were rescued, and others were born in Discovery Cove. Groups of 8-10 gathered at the cove while a trainer showed how many commands the dolphins could follow. Students were amazed that the dolphins could wave, dance, and flip on command. “I loved swimming with the dolphins,” Sofia G. said. Sofia V. said that she fell off her dolphin but had fun. Even the teachers could experience the thrill of being close to the dolphins.  Mrs. Dutton said, “Swimming with the dolphins was my favorite part, and I would keep the trip for future 6th graders.

Most 6th graders agree that this awesome experience helps with middle school jitters. You might be thinking that it was only 6th graders who were having fun in the sun, but 6th-grade science teachers also had a blast. Overall, it was a great trip, and the 6th graders loved it so much.